AMCMontessori

Fun Filled February Montessori Lesson Planning

2012-01-30T12:03:00.000-08:00

Why not use the month of February to do a unit study about the human heart? Visit The Human Cardiovascular System to access a set of links for a complete unit study on the human cardiovascular system. These K-12 links will lead you to articles, hands-on activities and other exercises that are compatible with the Montessori classified science reading cards, creative writing and other extensive lesson plans found in the Montessori at Home, Modern Montessori at Home and Modern Montessori at Home II books.

Science need not be presented in a vacuum. . Help children and teens develop a new hobby and learn about biology in the process. The recently released AMC Montessori Spring Hands On Newsletter is packed with fun filled science spring lesson planning. Use the information provided by Diana Ruark of Nature’s Workshop Plus!, Dale Gausman of the North American Montessori Center, and Sandy R. Wilbur, retired wildlife biologist specializing in ornithology, from Condor Tales to take you step-by-step through a series of integrated ornithology lesson presentations.

In Part I of the of the AMC Spring 2011 edition, Sandy answers general as well specific questions which will help you to understand the benefits of this hobby. You’ll learn how to get started, what types of products to buy, and what pitfalls to avoid, to name a few. Sandy is also sensitive to the concerns educators may feel about presenting lessons on this topic.

Diana Ruark of Nature’s Workshop Plus! also offers a wide array of nature lesson planning , with a tip or two about birds and bird watching, as well. Click here for specific details. For a wide array of resources, books and other information, plan to spend some time at the Nature’s Workshop Plus! website, as well.

February also provides opportunities for students to learn about specific social and political issues that have helped shaped U.S. history. Black History Month, observed in February since 1926, provides many interesting opportunities to explore history, culture and food. The Creative Process can get you started with their “Celebrate Black History Month” page, linked here: http://www.amonco.org/spring8/montessori_spring8.pdf

Montessorians will appreciate the imaginative George Washington lesson planning ideas that author Sara Ambarian has provided in AMC Montessori – Spring VIII. Sara leads educators through Washington’s youthful aspirations, as well as providing the name of the resource that greatly shaped the way George Washington conducted himself in society.

Traditional colonial recipes are featured and can easily be incorporated into Montessori’s practical life exercises. Sara also provides background information about George Washington’s dining proclivities. Sara has done an excellent job of presenting sufficient information about this subject, without bogging down educators with too much data

February is a transitional lesson planning month. For March and April lesson planning, please also click on the link below.

http://www.amonco.org/springtime_celebrations.html

Springtime Lesson Planning Links

Thanksgiving Thoughts: Passing Along Some Positive Perspective with the Pumpkin Pie

2011-11-19T13:08:00.000-08:00

To me, author Sara Ambarian, is Sarah Snow, Rachel Ray and Martha Stewart - all rolled into one. I have known Sara for almost a decade now. Initially, I marveled at her multitasking abilities. She is a wonderful mom, a marvelous cook, seamstress, designer, wedding planner, webmaster, and writer. I'm sure that this is just a sampling of her talents and abilities. What's truly appealing; however, is the fact that she is very humble and is always willing to help other moms.

So, when she told me that she had written the article Thanksgiving Thoughts: Passing Along Some Positive Perspective with the Pumpkin Pie, I couldn't wait to read it. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned Thanksgiving planner, this article will shed some new light on this holiday. You will learn how to involve your children in new, innovative ways.

Have you postponed your Thanksgiving planning? Would you like to put some spark into your Thanksgiving celebration? Do you want to create a truly meaningful gathering, rather than some big show that is meaningless and stressful? Perhaps, you will gain some new insight to help you through the rough spots. Maybe, this is the year to create a Thanksgiving that is less stressful and more memorable.

Sarah's perspective helped me to see our Thanksgiving in a whole new light. I know that you will glean some positive reinforcement and helpful tips on how to make this holiday meaningful for you and your family as well.

BTW, Sara is not advertising anything here. I included a link to her book website where you can learn more about Sara. At one point in time she had a website, and my hope is that she will someday create a new one. It was full of wonderful information.

Visit http://www.amonco.org/sara_ambarian08.pdf to read the article Thanksgiving Thoughts: Passing Along Some Positive Perspective with the Pumpkin Pie.

Enjoy the read!!

Heidi Anne Spietz
http://www.amonco.org/

Hands On Equations Announces Contest, Free Webinars, and More...

2011-11-11T08:06:00.000-08:00

Contest to win $100 first prize!
$50 second prize; $25 third prize

Click "Like" on the Hands On Equations Facebook and share, in 50 words or less, an inspirational story of the impact that Hands-On Equations has had on you or on a student. You may submit more than one entry but only one prize will be awarded to any one individual.

Preface your entry with the words:
"Here is my inspirational story:"

Deadline to submit entry: Nov 30, 2011
All entries must be submitted via the above Hands-On Equations
Facebook page link.
Selection of winning entries is final.
Winners will be announced on Facebook and notified via email.

FREE INTRODUCTORY WEBINARS!

Demystifying the Learning of Algebra (3 - 9)
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 from 6:15 - 7:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Wednesday, November 30, 2011 from 3:15 - 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

Demystifying the Learning of Verbal Problems (4 - 9)
Monday, November 21, 2011 from 6:15 to 7:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Wednesday, December 14, 2011, from 3:15 to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

Visit What is Hands On Equations?
today to register!!!

Hands On Equations is pleased to announce that registration is available for the following public workshops. Regular online registration for both workshops is $195. See discount offer below.

Registration is open for the following public workshop sites:

Worcester, MA Nov 9
Albuquerque, NM Nov 8 & 9
Ontario, CA Nov 15 & 16
Rockville, MD Nov 15
Little Rock, AR Nov 16 & 17
Biloxi, MI Nov 17 & 18
Oak Lawn, IL Nov 17
Lake Oswego, OR Nov 30 & Dec. 1
Atlanta, GA Nov 30 & Dec 1
Winston-Salem, NC Nov 30 & Dec. 1
Tulsa, OK Dec 1 & 2
Naples, FL Dec 1 & 2
Lexington, KY Dec 5 & 6

20% Discount off Registration Fee!

Register online
and use discount code BA23451b to receive a 20% discount on the
registration fee.

FREE Admission to District Level Administrators!
Are you a district mathematics supervisor, special education director, director of the gifted, or a curriculum director? If so Hands on Equations can provide a complimentary admission to a two-day public workshop near you. Please call our office at 800-993-6284 to take advantage of this special offer.

$250 Discount on Onsite Staff Development!
Call 800-993-6284 during the month of November and you will receive a $250
discount on your next training session!
(Use code CC110111)

10% Discount on Materials Ordered Online!
Order materials online
during the month of November and receive a 10% discount.
Use the (discount code CC110211m)
Johnson City, TN Dec 5 & 6
Scottsdale, AZ Dec 12 & 13
Chattanooga, TN Dec 12 & 13
Greenville, SC Dec 14 & 15

For additional information about Hands On Equations, please click here

Make Homemade Bread for the Holidays

2011-10-31T18:28:00.000-07:00

November 17th is National Homemade Bread Day. It's probably no accident that this special day precedes the holiday season. What better way to celebrate your upcoming holiday meal preparation than by including children in this bread making practical life activity. Imagine the joy your child will experience when he places a basket of freshly baked bread on your dinner table or gift wraps a loaf to share with friends. Below, you will find some links to help you with the planning and preparation.

http://denverlibrary.org/content/happy-national-homemade-bread-day

Happy National Homemade Bread Day!

http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/food-drink/you-should-only-be-happy-celebrating-homemade-bread-day/

Celebrating Homemade Bread Day

http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-0,homemade_bread,FF.html

Homemade Bread

http://blog.superhealthykids.com/2010/05/the-easiest-homemade-bread-youll-ever-make/

The Easiest Homemade Bread You'll Ever Make

Now that you have mastered bread making, you will want to try some additional recipes this holiday season.

Look below to find some scintillating salads, magnificent main courses, and delightful desserts. Click on the links

to access the free information.

AMC Montessori Spring Hands-On Newsletter Part III

Yummy Peanut Butter Fudge

AMC Montessori Spring Hands-On Newsletter Part V

Sour Cream Fudge

AMC Montessori Spring Hands-On Newsletter Part VII

Hot Fudge Topping From Farm Country General Store

AMC Montessori Summer Hands-On Newsletter Part 3

Recipe for Onion Pie

AMC Montessori Summer Hands-On Newsletter Part 6

Gingerbread Muffins by Montessori Teacher Cathie Perolman

AMC Montessori Summer Hands-On Newsletter Part 7

Cinnamon Rolls Recipe and

Farm Country's Cornbread Recipe

AMC Montessori Fall Hands-On Newsletter Part 3

Making Applesauce

AMC Montessori Fall Hands-On Newsletter Part 4

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

Hot Baked Chicken Salad

AMC Montessori Fall Hands-On Newsletter Part 5

Making Apple Cinnamon Muffins

AMC Montessori Fall Hands-On Newsletter Part 6

Lithuanian Cranberry Cake

Cherry Mae's Holiday Turkey Meatballs

Cherry Mae's Holiday Stuffing

AMC Montessori Fall Hands-On Newsletter Part 7

Apple Angel Food Cake

Oma's Cookies ~ A German Recipe

Farm Country's Favorite Zucchini Bread

AMC Montessori Fall Hands-On Newsletter Part 8

Filipino Fruit Salad

Filipino Mango Float

Filipino Leche Flan

AMC Montessori Fall Hands-On Newsletter Part 9

Homemade Fresh Tomato Ketchup

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins

AMC Montessori Fall/Winter Hands-On Newsletter Part 2

Pistachio Poppy Seed Cake ~ A Miami Favorite

Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Cutouts ~ Recipe from Montessorian

AMC Montessori Fall/Winter Hands-On Newsletter Part 3

Ginger-Coconut Baked Apples

AMC Montessori Fall/Winter Hands-On Newsletter Part 4

Nutty Chocolate Pudding Squares

Chocolate Dusted Almonds

AMC Montessori Fall/Winter Hands-On Newsletter Part 5

Holiday Cheesecake

AMC Montessori Fall/Winter Hands-On Newsletter Part 6

Farmer's Favorite Fudge

Spinach Dip Recipe

AMC Montessori Fall/Winter Hands-On Newsletter Part 7

Crepes Recipe For Children

AMC Montessori Fall/Winter Hands-On Newsletter Part 8

Re-thinking Holiday Priorities through Tough Times

Enjoy!

Heidi Anne Spietz

http://www.amonco.org

American Montessori Consulting

A Bilingual Spanish/English Unit Study About Plants

2011-08-16T17:09:00.000-07:00

Studying about plants and their relationship to gardening and cooking can become a fun hands-on adventure for students in the 5 - 7 age range when the Montessori approach is used. Extension exercises, particularly done in two languages, can create further enrichment for young children. With the unique approach that is employed in the unit study 'Plants", students learn about this topic by reading and writing in both Spanish and English. A wealth of supporting Spanish/English resources and suggestions makes the lesson preparation and presentation a breeze for the educator. Moreover, the student’s enthusiasm grows as he learns and applies important concepts presented in both languages.

The adventure begins when students read about the seasons through literature. Next, a block of time is devoted to the study of seeds and plants. By studying ‘The Tortilla”, students begin to make the connection between seeds and plants.

The fictitious character, Carlos, then takes the students on a journey where they observe the sprouting of seeds by studying the lima beans in a controlled environment.

The final lesson, El Maiz, allows the students to combine record keeping through

open-ended comparisons and recording observations. Since this final lesson concentrates

on corn, students are invited to make cornmeal pancakes.

Each lesson encourages an integrated bilingual approach, so that students learn and apply

in both Spanish and English.

Bloom’s Taxonomy is used to make certain that students understand the concepts introduced. See http://www.amonco.org/bloomstaxonomy.html for a comparison of

Bloom’s Taxonomy with the Montessori method.

To access the complete lesson plan, please visit

http://www.dpsk12.org/programs/almaproject/pdf/Plants.pdf

For additional Spanish/English resources, please visit

http://www.cantemosco.com/ - Cantemos

http://www.funwithlanguages.com/ - Fun With Languages

http://www.professortoto.com/ - Professor Toto

http://amonco.org/bookstore.html - Reading, Writing and Spelling in Spanish I

http://www.amonco.org/montessorisummergardening.html - Montessori Lessons -

A Gardening Unit Study

Enjoy1

Heidi Anne Spietz

American Montessori Consulting

http://www.amonco.org

Find a Harvest of Autumn Information - Part II

2011-08-10T06:27:00.000-07:00

In Part One, we looked at some general autumn subjects. In this installment, we will focus on autumn agricultural subjects.

Turkeys

The turkey is an animal many of us in North America associate with autumn. For many fun facts and activities related to this interesting bird, visit:

http://www.kiddyhouse.com/Farm/Turkeys

http://farmfutures.com/story.aspx/fun/facts/about/the/turkey/17/44170

http://www.kidzone.ws/animals/turkey.htm

Apples

Autumn is apple harvest time, and this crop is so beloved and important that it inspires harvest festivals all across the country in towns like Fortuna, California; Arendtsville, Pennsylvania; Martinsburg, West Virginia; and Wenatchee, Washington. The University of Illinois Extension offers the following interesting facts about apples: http://urbanext.illinois.edu/apples/facts.cfm

Everyone seems to have a favorite apple recipe (or several favorites!), and here are a few AMC Resource Directory members have shared.

A great “no-cook” apple dessert you can make with very young children, Apple Sauce Parfait, comes from Kathy O’Reilly’s Cooking With Kids Can Be Easy. http://www.amonco.org/creative/montessori_fall2.pdf

If you want to try your hand at making your own applesauce, for Kathy’s parfait or eating plain, Dale Gausman of North American Montessori Center offers a simple recipe with safe cooking tips. http://www.amonco.org/creative3/montessori_fall3.pdf Dale also shared a recipe for Apple-Cinnamon Muffins. http://www.amonco.org/creative5/montessori_fall5.pdf

Dianne Knesek of Conceptual Learning uses fresh apples and pecans to dress up a boxed angel food cake mix. http://www.amonco.org/creative7/montessori_fall7.pdf

Want to celebrate apple season without cooking? Jaye from Creative Care has a cute apple wreath art project for kids 2 to 5 years old. http://www.amonco.org/creative5/montessori_fall5.pdf

Pumpkins

Pumpkins are a favorite symbol of autumn and harvest time. They’re especially popular with children, probably because of their bright color, impressive size, and fun traditional uses. For more facts and activities about pumpkins, visit: http://www.pumpkinnook.com/facts.htm, and Sara L. Ambarian’s article on Canadian Thanksgiving. http://www.amonco.org/creative7/montessori_fall7.pdf

Other fall harvest items

Many home gardeners find they have lots of zucchini in late summer and fall. If you have extra zucchini to use up, you might enjoy Farm Country General Store’s Favorite Zucchini Bread:

http://www.amonco.org/creative7/montessori_fall7.pdf

Tomatoes are another bountiful crop this time of year. Garden Artisans offers a recipe for Homemade Fresh Tomato Ketchup, which is a great way to combine home and garden arts together. Many children do not realize that almost every type of food product we can buy was once homemade, so this is a great opportunity to show them the old-fashioned origins of what is arguably the most popular “kid condiment”. http://www.amonco.org/creative9/montessori_fall9.pdf

Lots of other interesting fruits and vegetables are also harvested in the fall. You might enjoy trying something new like sweet or hot peppers, pomegranates, quince, persimmons, elderberries or high-bush cranberries. You might be surprised at the variety of produce available in your area.

To find out more about the bounty of autumn, visit the following listing of fruits and vegetables which are harvested in the fall in the Northern Hemisphere.

http://localfoods.about.com/od/whatsinseason/a/FallFruitVeg.htm

Hearty autumn supper for busy teachers and/or families

For a quick, hot and hearty meal after a busy day at the pumpkin patch or in the garden, try the recipe for Hot Baked Chicken Salad shared by Karen at the Farm Country General Store. http://www.amonco.org/creative/montessori_fall4.pdf

To view all offerings in the new 2011 fall newsletter, please visit http://www.amonco.org/montessori_fall_handson.html

Find a Harvest of Autumn Information - Part I

2011-08-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

Autumn is a season of transitions. Days get shorter and, eventually, cooler. Summer-grown crops ripen and are harvested to eat or preserve. Birds begin their fall migrations. The leaves of deciduous trees begin to change color. School traditionally starts in most areas of North America.

As you embark on this season rich in color, interest and tradition, let it inspire your lessons, both inside and outside the classroom setting.

Miscellaneous general autumn/harvest lesson planning, resources and information

Get started with the lesson and resource ideas from AMC’s “Autumn Weekend and School Day Field Trips” article. http://www.amonco.org/creative01/montessori_fall1.pdf

Set the mood with Marjorie Kiel Persons of Classical Magic’s lesson plan for Antonio Vivaldi’s “Autumn” from The Four Seasons. Then start accumulating materials for Thanksgiving lessons through the Plymouth, Massachusetts resources shared by Sara L. Ambarian. Find both articles at http://www.amonco.org/creative7/montessori_fall7.pdf

For outdoor autumn fun with science built in, consider an outing to watch the fall bird migrations. This multi-page article from GORP gives many interesting suggestions about destinations all around the U.S. http://www.gorp.com/weekend-guide/travel-ta-birdwatching-sidwcmdev_052492.html

Help kids welcome autumn and revel in the beauty of the season with art and craft projects. Bold shapes and bright colors make a statement in Sara L. Ambarian’s “Autumn Colors Tissue Paper Art Project”. http://www.amonco.org/creative5/montessori_fall5.pdf

Find more autumn art and craft ideas here:

http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/autumnfallartscraftideaskids.html

http://www.kinderart.com/seasons/autumn.shtml

Autumn Events—

The Harvest Moon

Information about the harvest moon: http://www.moonconnection.com/harvest_moon.phtml

Here is a nice instrumental of the famous old standard, “Shine On Harvest Moon” as performed by Jerry Gray and his orchestra in 1950. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDYoYclxvrc

Columbus Day

For more information, visit: http://holidays.kaboose.com/columbus-day

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/columbus

http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/columbus-day

Veterans Day

For more information, check out: http://www.va.gov/kids

http://www.theteacherscorner.net/seasonal/veterans-day/index.php

http://www.history.com/topics/history-of-veterans-day

Need a quick break from lesson plans and classroom organization?

Take a quiz about autumn. http://www.quizmoz.com/quizzes/Trivia-Quizzes/a/Autumn-Trivia-Quiz.asp

*****

Look for more lesson plan and resource ideas in Part Two which will be available in one week.

Bookmark this blog!!

Summer Cooking Links for Kids

2011-07-01T07:07:00.000-07:00

Just in time for the 4th of July and the summer months ahead....

Please see Company's Cooking Kids Cooking = Summer Fun

and

AMC Montessori Summer Hands On Newsletter

June is National Candy Month

2011-06-16T07:08:00.000-07:00

June is National Candy Month, so why not celebrate with a fun and educational sweet indulgence with your students/children. Certainly as teachers and parents/grandparents, we want to provide a good example to the children in our lives; but special occasion treats like candy provide a good opportunity to reinforce the principle that “moderation is key”. Unless you or they have specific health issues which preclude candy, most people can enjoy an occasional “goodie” as part of a healthy diet. Older children might enjoy the table at the following link, which lists the calories and other nutritional information for a variety of popular candies. http://housing.k-state.edu/dining/FitCourse/justforfun/06-candymonth.html

If you use the recipes or buy nostalgic candies from the businesses below, consider sharing with family, friends and neighbors. Just a few pieces of candy, wrapped in pretty cellophane, and decorated with a bow and/or artificial flowers (or delivered with a little bouquet of flowers from your own garden, if you have one) makes a lovely gift. Think of people in the children’s lives who might especially appreciate a little “just because” offering. When you share, no one has “too much of a good thing”, and children get the joy of brightening someone else’s day.

For a tasty lesson in math and science and a practical life exercise, consider making your own candy from one of the following fudge recipes. Fudge is a popular candy to make, especially with children, because it is more forgiving of mistakes and heat/time variations than some candy recipes.

Larry from Farm Country General Store has shared instructions for Farmer’s Favorite Fudge, based on evaporated milk and chocolate chips. http://www.amonco.org/winter6/montessori_winter6.pdf

As part of a handwriting project of compiling family recipes, Nan of Barchowsky Fluent Handwriting has submitted a recipe for Peanut Fudge using Karo syrup and marshmallow cream. http://www.amonco.org/spring3/montessori_spring_3.pdf

Angela from Wildridge Education tells about the origins of her family favorite, Grampa Bailey’s Sour Cream Fudge. This is an unusual, old-fashioned fudge recipe, which uses simple ingredients and ought to be a hit with folks who don’t enjoy chocolate fudge recipes. http://www.amonco.org/spring5/montessori_spring.5.pdf

If you don’t have the time or inclination to make your own, enjoy nostalgic candy while supporting small business and a good cause. Victory Seed’s old-time candy store sales help to fund their research and preservation of rare and heirloom seeds. Read their story and check out their products at: http://www.victoryseeds.com/candystore.html

Another family business which sells a wide variety of old-fashioned and unusual candies, including international and sugar-free varieties, is The Vermont Country Store. Find your favorites and share a taste of your childhood at: http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/products/Food-Candy/Candy-Chocolate.html

Summer Gardening - Montessori Style

2011-06-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

With the advent of warmer weather, longer days, and more leisure time as a family, gardening is a natural pursuit for the summer months. If you haven’t started yet, you may not have enough time left before cool weather returns to grow some plants (especially if you live in the north or at high elevation). However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun in the garden this summer, nonetheless. Why not get some information and inspiration, and, as they say, “get growing”!

Find a wealth of ideas and gardening activities for the summer months (and all year long) in the archived newsletters of Garden Artisans. They cover many helpful, interesting and educational topics, like edible gardening in containers, companion planting, mulching, and xeriscaping. They also have lots of products and projects to help you get creative in and around the garden with your kids. See their Arts and Crafts, Living Wreath, Wild Bird Supplies, and Garden Links pages, among others. For links and more background on Garden Artisans, see: http://www.amonco.org/summer6/montessori_summer6.pdf

For more inspiration and information, visit CHILDSAKE, a referral site for children's books on nature and the environment. You will find the“Gardening” subheading under “Flora” on the left navigation bar. http://www.childsake.com/dobooks.html

The following sites have free information and ideas about gardening with children, as well: http://www.colostate.edu/Dept/CoopExt/4dmg/Children/children.htm

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art171221.asp

http://eartheasy.com/grow_gardening_children.htm

http://www.kidsgardening.com

http://www.amonco.org/montessorisummergardening.html

Sizzling Summer Recipes - Montessori Style

2011-05-11T16:36:00.000-07:00

Dale Gausman, owner of the North American Montessori Center, shows how children can plan, prepare, and execute a Spring or Summer Tea. Dale’s Friendship Salad makes a perfect addition to the Spring Tea menu or any other event planned for the upcoming months. Click here for details.

The late Montessorian Kathy O’Reilly, author of Cooking with Children Can Be Easy, will show you how to prepare a food unit study for children featuring the yummy Watermelon Blueberry Banana Split recipe.

DIanne Knesek, Montessori teacher and owner of Conceptual Learning, shares a mouth watering Summer Fruit, Cheese, and Meat Kabobs recipe. Visit this link for complete information

Mary, from the Montessori materials company Hello Wood, offers the delicious recipe, Onion Pie, perfect for your holiday celebrations. See http://www.amonco.org/summer3/montessori_summer3.pdf

Planning a unit study about pirates? Fun Felt, shares her three pirate snack ideas – Treasure Chests, Pirate Ships and Cannonballs, all of which, can be easily integrated into any pirate unit study. Click here to access the recipes.

Montessorian Cathie Perolman employs the Montessori practical life technique with her scrumptious gingerbread muffins recipe. Access this recipe by clicking here

Larry, from Farm Country General Store, shares two equally delicious recipes. See Farm Country’s Cinnamon Roll and Farm Country’s Favorite Cornbread recipes. . What perfect additions to either a homemade Father’s Day breakfast or for a lazy Saturday morning con su famlia (with your family.) Don't forget to also check out Karen's newest recipe - Green Smoothies. See http://www.amonco.org/summer7/montessori_summer7.pdf

MONTESSORI LESSONS -A Gardening Unit Study (With the Focus on the Summer)

2011-04-09T15:43:00.000-07:00

Below, are links for a complete summer gardening unit study. These PreK and K-8 links will lead you to articles, hands-on activities and other exercises that are compatible with the Montessori classified reading cards, phonics, grammar, creative writing, science, social studies and other extensive lesson plans found in Montessori at Home, Modern Montessori at Home and Modern Montessori at Home II books. Please visit
http://www.amonco.org/montessorisummergardening.html to access these links.

Montessori Classified Reading Cards and Other Aids to Learn About Summer and Year Round Gardening

Make Your Own Classified Reading Cards for PreK - Grade 5
Botany Montessori Exercises
Names of Flowers in English, French and Latin
Names of Vegetables in Spanish with Pronunciation Key
Names of Fruits in Spanish - Spanish Vocabulary
Names of Fruits in Spanish - with Pronunciation Key
Free Flash Cards - Vegetables - English
Free Flash Cards - Vegetables - English
Free Flash Cards - Vegetables - French
Fruits and Vegetables - Frutas y Verduras
Vegetable Names in European Languages
Names of Flowers in English, French and Latin
Mature Flower Diagram Clip Art
Plant Cell Wall Diagram Clip Art
Summer Flowers - Names and Facts
The Garden Game
Northwest Coloring Book Scientific Plant Name Index
Let's Study About the Cycle of a Flowering Plants and Trees - Extension of Montessori's Classified Reading Cards for Elementary Students
Plant Identification by Characteristics (Reference Guide)

Sensory Exercises/Motor Development Involving the Study of Summer Gardening

Sunflower Seed Activities (Pre K - Grade 6)
Seed Match
Collecting Seeds - Fun for the Whole Family
Botany Cabinets for the Classroom
A Close-Up Look at Seeds
Sensory Table (Sunflower Seeds)
I Love Dirt!

Practical Life Exercises Involving the Study of Summer Gardening

Summer Flower Bulbs
Itching to Plant (Germinating Seeds)
What Shall I Grow?
Home-grown "Fast Food" for Busy Families by Sara L. Ambarian
Gardening Year Round - Tips from an Expert
Learn What Mulch Can Do For You!/a>
International Gardening Information - Scroll Down Half Way through Newsletter
A Child's Garden
Grow It Cook It
Planting a Gardem - Lower Elementary Ages
Garden Planters and Containers
Preparing a Container Garden
Gardening Tools
Homegrown Vegetables in Any Space
Complete Gardening Archive
Organic Garden Seeds
Wildflower Seed Planting Instructions - Wildflower How-to-Guide

Language Lesson Planning for Elementary and Middle Students

My Vegetable Gardening Diary
Special Summer Food Fun - Word Puzzles for Middle Schoolers
The Secret Garden
Montessori Gardening Grammar Bingo
Growing Poems
Experience of Nature (Flora: Plants & Flowers) PreK - Grade 2
Recommended Children's Poetry Books (Ages 4 - 8)
Recommended Children's Poetry Books (Ages 9 - 13)
Figurative Speech: Analogies, Similes, and Metaphors

Science and Social Science Lesson Planning for Elementary and Middle Students

Growing Plants Unit Study - Upper Elementary Level
Vegetable Planting Guide Worksheet
Blue Potatoes, Orange Tomatoes (Grades 2 - 6)
Comparing Leaves
Growing Plants Unit
Science With Plants
Microscopes for Observation and Science Experiments
The Garden Game
Planting a Gardem Thematic Unit Study - Lower Elementary Ages
Vegetable Guide to Planting in Late Summer
Seeds to Plant in Late Summer/Fall
Farmers' Almanc Gardening Calendar
Plant a Summer Crop of Beans
Curriculum Connections
The Science of Gardening
Harvest of History - The Farmers' Museum
Hands On Flower Model

Music and Art Lesson Planning for Elementary and Middle Students

Let's Make Pressed Flowers - Elementary Level
Draw Your World - Drawing Enriches the Curriculum
Flower Themes, Flowers in Art
Sharing Food, Food in Art
Changing a Flower's Color
Seed Collages (Scroll down until you see this activity)
Painting a Garden (Scroll down until you see this activity
Gardens for Schools
Flowers Posters, Prints, Charts, Photographs & Calendars
Music and Gardening (In Tune With Nature)
Sing and Learn About Science
Sings for Every Season (Click on Recordings)

Math Lesson Planning for Elementary and Middle Students

Inside the Coordinate Grid (Ages 8 -13)
Flowers: Graph & Graph Again (Ages 5 - 13)
It's Juice! Reading and Interpreting Graphs
Sprouting Math Activities - Numbers and Operation
Sprouting Math Activities - Algebra
Sprouting Math Activities - Geometry
Sprouting Math Activities - Data Analysis and Probability
Sprouting Math Activities - Problem Solving

Business Marketing Activities

Plant Sale Grows Kids
Theme: Growing a School Garden Business
Thematic Unit Study - Plant Sale Project
Label It, Sell It (Nutritional Labeling and Marketing

Additional Extension Exercises - Let's Write, Discuss and Talk About Gardening

Granny's Garden School
More Fruits and Vegetables
Farmer's Market Nutrition Program in Spanish
Farmer's Market Shopping for Fruit
Farmer's Market Shopping for Fruit in Spanish
Farmer's Market Fruit and Vegetable Bargains
Farmer's Market Fruit and Vegetable Bargains in Spanish
Food for Thought - Newsletters in English and Spanish
Curriculum Connections - Incorporate Selected Ideas for Montessori Environment
Write Your Own Books - For K - 3rd Grade(Part I)
Write Your Own Books - For K - 3rd Grade (Part II)

Visit American Montessori Consulting and look under New and Notable for other unit studies. Copyright 2007-2011 Heidi Anne Spietz. American Montessori Consulting

Bird Watching with Your Children

2011-03-21T14:38:00.000-07:00

Are your kids (and you) starting to get spring fever? Are you anxious to get outside and enjoy nature? Many areas of North America have had pretty severe winter weather, and for many of us, it likely is not over yet. One fun way to enjoy nature year-round is by bird-watching and/or bird feeding. Actually, it's a great opportunity to encourage your family's awareness of the birds all around us.

For tips and ideas to get you started, American Montessori Consulting talked to Sanford R. Wilbur, a retired wildlife biologist specializing in ornithology (the study of birds) and a lifelong recreational bird-watcher and outdoor enthusiast. Mr. Wilbur is also a father and grandfather who has had plenty of experience "birding" with children of all ages. We hope you enjoy the information he shared with us. Visit AMC Montessori Spring Newsletter - Part I to read this article in its entirety. You can receive additional free articldes, and hands on activities and more by visiting AMC Montessori Spring Hands On Newsletter.

Celebrate Black History Month with The Creative Process

2011-01-27T06:09:00.000-08:00

Rae Petersen, of The Creative Process, has some marvelous ideas to help you make the most out of the upcoming Black History Month. Rae recently shared the following with me.

"February is Black History Month - Commemorate the contributions and events of people of African descent with classroom environments enriched with educational posters celebrating Black History. http://www.netposterworks.com/history/blhistory/index.html

February was chosen as Black History Month by Dr. Carter G. Woodson because Frederick Douglass, Langston Hughes and Abraham Lincoln were born in February. Rosa Parks was also born in February (1913), but as of the establishment of Black History Month, her great contribution to Civil Rights was almost 30 years in the future.

For additional Black History Month lesson planning, please visit Montessori January and February Lesson Planning Links.

Enjoy!

Heidi Anne Spietz
http://www.amonco.org

Animals in the Winter - Links for Montessori Unit Study

2011-01-20T05:31:00.000-08:00

Please see http://www.amonco.org/animalsinthewinter.html for a complete Animals in the Winter unit study.

What happens to animals as it becomes cold outside?

Animals in Winter - Explains hibernation, migration and adaptation.
Animals in Winter Scavenger Hunt
How Animals Survive the Winter

How do animals prepare for winter?

Animal Winter Months Study
Animals in Winter

Why do birds fly south in the winter?

Why Do Birds Fly South for the Winter
When and How do Birds Migrate?

What is hibernation?

Hibernation
Animals Themes
Mrs. Jones - Hibernation
Groundhogs Day - Waking Up from Hibernation
Mammals Middle School - Lessons for Middle School Students

How do bears and badgers spend the winter?

Wildlife in Winter
How Do Animals Spend the Winter
Winter

How does the color white help animals in the wintertime?

Arctic Animals of Alaska
More About Camoflage

Where do the insects go in the winter?

Where do all the Insects go in the Winter?
Topics in Insect Ecology

How do fish survive in the winter?(Compare and Contrast)

Shunipiking Online Vol 02 No 02
Power to Learn: Winter Wonderings

How can you help birds in the winter?

Birds Winter
Education World Lesson Planning, Celebrate Winter!
FundingFactory Lesson Plans
Attracting Birds in Winter
How to Help Garden Birds Survive the Winter Months?

Let's Write, Discuss and Talk About Animals in the Winter

Animals in Winter
Hibernation Background Information and Activities
Grades K - 8 - Winter
Write Your Own Books - For K - 3rd Grade(Part I)
Write Your Own Books - For K - 3rd Grade (Part II)

Visit http://www.amonco.org and look under New and Notable for other unit studies.

Heidi Anne Spietz

Montessori Tidbits Features AMC Montessori Drawing

2011-01-06T04:16:00.000-08:00

Click here to read about how one Montessorian reacted to the prizes she won from the American Montessori Consulting drawing! See actual pictures of the items, as well.

Then, visit http://www.amonco.org/directory.html to enter the January 2011 drawing!!

To see the list of prizes available, please visit http://www.amonco.org

Happy New Year!!

Heidi Anne Spietz

Free Montessori Lessons for 2011

2011-01-03T12:29:00.000-08:00

Montessori Lessons for 2011!

Below, are links to jump start your Montessori lesson planning for 2011. These PreK and K-8 links will lead you to articles, hands-on activities and other exercises that are compatible with the Montessori classified reading cards, phonics, grammar, creative writing, science, social studies and other extensive lesson plans found in Montessori at Home, Modern Montessori at Home and Modern Montessori at Home II books.

A Maria Montessori Movie Worth Seeing

Italy - Links for a Montessori Unit Study

Gardening Year Round - Tips from an Expert

Let's Go on an Animal Safari!

Montessori Gardening Unit (With the Focus on the Summer)

Montessori Service Community Projects

Healthy Nutritional Tips for 21st Century Families

AMC Holiday Montessori Grammar Bingo and Extension Exercises

The Human Cardiovascular System - Links for Montessori Unit Study

The Human Nervous System - Links for Montessori Unit Study

Study of the Human Respiratory System - Links for Montessori Unit Study

Cardiology Terminology

Apples and Oranges - Links for Montessori Unit Study

Montessori Fall Hands On Lesson Planning

Montessori Winter Hands On Lesson Planning

Montessori Summer Hands On Lesson Planning

Montessori Spring Hands On Lesson Planning

Below, are some additional free lessons and articles available at the amonco.org website

Animals in the Winter Unit Study Free Lesson Plans

January and February Montessori Lesson Plans

Lincoln, Washington and Valentine's Day Lesson Planning Links Black History Month

Animals in the Winter

Valentine Origami Art & Math Activities

A Unit Study Lesson Plan About Mexico in Spanish

Hands-On Interdisciplinary Learning

Winter Science Links

More in store for you in 2011!

Visit American Montessori Consulting and look under New and Notable for other unit studies.

Montessori Practical Life Holiday Table Setting and Centerpiece Ideas

2010-12-04T08:44:00.000-08:00

Inexpensive Holiday Centerpieces

Easy Crafts Budget Wise Holiday Crafts - Centerpieces

Hanukkah Crafts for Kids

Celebrating Kwanzaa At Home Kids

Christmas Ball Ornaments - Table Centerpieces

Montessori Practical Life Activity: Napkin Folding

Pine Covered Snow Trees by Montessorian Cathie Perolman

Another Pine Cone Christmas Tree Activity

Montessori Multicultural Holiday Lesson Planning

2010-11-19T05:28:00.000-08:00

For the past few years, I have had many interesting conversations about American traditions with college age foreign exchange students from Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe. Back in 2007, in particular, I had the pleasure to chat with some foreign exchange students from El Salvador and Indonesia about our Thanksgiving holiday.

Although the students appeared to appreciate the significance of the holiday, they couldn't help but also giggle about our annual turkey celebration. Many of these students live in dorms or apartments and found out the prior year that they just couldn't think of enough creative ways to eat and use all of the left over turkey. So, we had some fun discussing various ways to prepare the leftovers, plus talked a bit about their favorite dish and holiday traditions.

You, too, can plan a day to have a multicultural turkey celebration. Plan a unit study for your children focusing on maybe three countries at a time.

To help you get started, visit the following links:
All About Fall Cooking - Worldwide
Find some excellent information for planning your Thanksgiving feast by visiting
AMC Fall Holiday Lesson Planning
Multicultral Lesson Planning Part I
Multicultural Lesson Planning Part II
AMC Montessori Hands On Fall Lesson Planning
AMC Montessori Hands On Winter Lesson Planning
Christmas Around the World Part I
Christmas Around the World Part II

Scroll down on each page for the lesson planning information. :-)

Heidi
http://www.amonco.org

Special Fall Montessori Lesson Planning Links

2010-10-27T07:26:00.001-07:00

Below, is just a sampling of what you will find in the AMC Montessori AMC Fall Hands On Newsletter.

Sewing, Knitting and Needlepoint

In Part V, Dale from North American Montessori Center, provides a very organized practical life exercise that includes the materials, presentation, setting up, sewing and finally finishing a Friendship Quilt. See Part V for details.

Harrisville Designs offers several felt crafts, including the Felted Ball Ornament, Felted Bead Necklaces and Felted Pouches. See Part I for details.

Lois, from Bountiful, forwarded an easy to knit pattern that is perfect for beginners. Visit Broken Rib Scarf with Seed Stitch Border – EASY BEGINNER PATTERN to access this information.

Ruth, of Ruth Dilts Design, contributed complete instructions on how to make coasters. See Part VI for details.

It’s never to early to start preparing for holiday crafting. In Part III, Montessori teacher Cathie Perolman shared her adorable Snow Covered Pine Trees craft. Seehttp://www.amonco.org/creative3/montessori_fall3.pdf for details.

Anna, from Wood, Etc., suggested that young children make Zebras that can be used in an Animal Safari unit study This project is indeed easy and inexpensive to make. Click here for more information.

Art

Click here to access the Color Wheel Lesson Plans shared by Rae of Creative Process. Rae tells us that these lessons can be adapted for elementary age through adult learner, and by seeing what is offered I thoroughly agree. The ideas can be integrated in art, social studies, writing, and science lessons. Rae also submitted her new Make at Home Craft Recipes. See Part III to access the lesson plans.

Crafts and Holiday Gift Giving

Why not create some unique holiday gifts? Janet, from Chinaberry, forwarded a craft idea that children and teens are sure to love. TheDecoupage Decorative Gift Box is a gift that will be treasured for years to come. The Painted Kitchen Trivet Gift, courtesy of Karen of Fun Felt is also a marvelous craft that serves as a unique gift.

Wood Crafting and Drawing

By clicking here you will find a Wood Dough Recipe for Sculpting from Richard Lord of LORD Company, and a Turtle Drawing Lesson form Kim, of Draw Your World. Richard’s recipe is a great practical life extension exercise. Kim creates integrated lessons that develop handwriting, drawing, science and more. These lessons can be customized for different age groups.

Special Montessori Holiday and Winter Lesson Planning Newsletter

2010-10-25T06:32:00.000-07:00

Table of Contents

(Scroll down to click on the links to this newsletter.)

Part I

Collage Paste Mix and Sawdust Clay
Teaching Alternative Energy Ideas
Scribble Designs ~ Reawaken Those Imagination Sparking Moments
Masks and Mask Making
Sharing Food, Food in Art Unit Study

Part II

Pistachio Poppy Seed Cake ~ A Miami Favorite
Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Cutouts ~ Recipe from Montessorian
Big Numbers Writing Activity
Science Activity "Air Lift"

Part III

Practical Life Activity: Napkin Folding
Ginger-Coconut Baked Apples
Making a Button-Buddy
Smelling Bottles
Acting Out How Animals Survive Winter
Simple Free Reading Books
Water and Land Forms (Cards and Labels)
Aromatic Basmati Rice with Saffron
Stories About Renaissance and Impressionist Artists
Nanny's Zucchini's Bread
Cooks in the Classroom
* Nutrition and ADHD
*Where do essential fats come from?
* What are essential fats?

Part IV

Scented Baskets
Tin Can Luminaries
Nutty Chocolate Pudding Squares
Montessori Math Sequencing
Chocolate Dusted Almonds
Dried Pineapple, Music and Faraway Places
Pineapple Unit Study
Fall Squirrel
Papier-Mache Art Activity
Animals in the Winter Unit Study
Free Hands-On Algebra Activity

Part V

Middle School Word Puzzles
Handprint Towel - Unique Craft and Gift
Pumpkin Pie Scented Playdough Recipe
Recipe for World Tolerance
Holiday Cheesecake

Part VI

Farmer's Favorite Fudge
Spinach Dip Recipe
Three Kittens Literature Link
Hearty Kale Soup
Soap That Grows

Part VII

Onion Pie
Music and Self-Regulatory Behavior
Crepes Recipe For Children
Vivaldi's Musical Activities and Lessons for The Four Seasons
(Featuring Winter)
Historical Fiction: Where Fact and Fiction Merge
Planning a New Literature Program for Your Child

Part VIII

Re-thinking Holiday Priorities During Tough Times

AMC Montessori Fall/Winter Hands-On Newsletter ~ Click on the Links Below to Read Each Part

AMC Montessori Fall/Winter Hands-On Newsletter Part I

AMC Montessori Fall/Winter Hands-On Newsletter Part 2

AMC Montessori Fall/Winter Hands-On Newsletter Part 3

AMC Montessori Fall/Winter Hands-On Newsletter Part 4

AMC Montessori Fall/Winter Hands-On Newsletter Part 5

AMC Montessori Fall/Winter Hands-On Newsletter Part 6

AMC Montessori Fall/Winter Hands-On Newsletter Part 7

AMC Montessori Fall/Winter Hands-On Newsletter Part 8

Special October Montessori Drawing - Enter Today!

2010-10-13T05:45:00.001-07:00

October 2010 1st Place AMC Montessori Winner Prizes Include:

Writing Card Sequence with Plastic Organizer & Masters for Writing Practice! (from LORD Company

A Valuable Gift Certificate (from Learning Success™ Institute)

GTC777 Gratnell Jumbo Rolling Tray Seat (from Wood, Etc.)

Art Ditto (from Birdcage Press)

Hands on Equations Program (Borenson and Associates)

Kite Game from( Creative Care "No Excuse" Craft Packs )

Modern Montessori at Home: A Creative Teaching Guide for Parents of Children Six through Nine Years of Age (from American Montessori Consulting)

October 2010 2nd Place AMC Montessori Winner Prizes Include:

A Valuable Gift Certificate from (Conceptual Learning Materials - A Montessori Company)

Baby Animals Around the World Card Game & Book (from Birdcage Press)

Heart Number and Animal Game from (Creative Care "No Excuse" Craft Packs )

Montessori Resources CD (from American Montessori Consulting)

Collage Art for Kids DVD (from Coyote Creek Productions)

Visit http://www.amonco.org/directory.html to enter!

Special October Montessori Drawing - Enter Today!

2010-10-13T05:45:00.000-07:00

October 2010 1st Place AMC Montessori Winner Prizes Include:

Writing Card Sequence with Plastic Organizer & Masters for Writing Practice! (from LORD Company

A Valuable Gift Certificate (from Learning Success™ Institute)

GTC777 Gratnell Jumbo Rolling Tray Seat (from Wood, Etc.)

Art Ditto (from Birdcage Press)

Hands on Equations Program (Borenson and Associates)

Kite Game from( Creative Care "No Excuse" Craft Packs )

Modern Montessori at Home: A Creative Teaching Guide for Parents of Children Six through Nine Years of Age (from American Montessori Consulting)

October 2010 2nd Place AMC Montessori Winner Prizes Include:

A Valuable Gift Certificate from (Conceptual Learning Materials - A Montessori Company)

Baby Animals Around the World Card Game & Book (from Birdcage Press)

Heart Number and Animal Game from (Creative Care "No Excuse" Craft Packs )

Montessori Resources CD (from American Montessori Consulting)

Collage Art for Kids DVD (from Coyote Creek Productions)

Japan America Kite Festival - October 3rd

2010-09-29T13:40:00.000-07:00

The Japan America Kite Festival will be held this coming Sunday, in Seal Beach, CA. It's free and fabulous. Glen Rothstein, once again, will be the MC. Check out his website http://www.vckf.org/

For information about the upcoming Japan America Kite Festival please visit Kite Festival Info.

One day, in June 2007, I took a stroll down Main Street in Seal Beach, California. After spending a relaxing day there, I decided to devote an article to helping you get the most out of your Seal Beach vacation experience. Yes, if you are planning to take a vacation to Southern California this summer, The Art and Science of Kite Flying article http://www.amonco.org, is a “must” read. Museums, art galleries, kite flying, hobby stores, eateries, and more are just a few of the things that await you in a town that has managed to keep its quaintness intact.

No, you won’t find a commercial shopping mall or an amusement park. Rather, you will find a relaxing environment - complete with chirping birds, beautiful flora and families happily chattering while walking down the boulevard hand in hand. Highlights of what to do and see while in Seal Beach are featured in this article. However, the true magic doesn’t begin until you have ambled down near the pier. The article focuses on the annual Seal Beach Kite Festival, the Up Up and Away Shop and the Up Up and Away Kite Club.

By reading the article, you will learn more about the magnificent annual festival and monthly kite club meetings. You will also discover how you can make and fly a customized kite in your neck of the woods, plus learn tips about which kites to buy.Take advantage of obtaining this knowledge from the experts that I interviewed. Visit
To learn more abut Seal Beach, kite flying and numerous kite flying lessons and resource links, please visit www.amonco.org/summer/montessori_summer1.pdf

For specific information about the Japan America Kite Festival, please visit
http://www.kiteclub.org and http://www.amonco.org/Kite FestivalFlyer.pdf

Enjoy :-)

Heidi Anne Spietz

Free Montessori Games

2010-09-15T14:49:00.001-07:00

Kids who are tactile-kinesthetic, whole body learners, and/or like basketball love
this learning activity! Visit Basketball & Whole Body Memorizing
Donated by Coaching for Learning-Success™ and the Learning Success Institute™

Nation Relation Geography Guessing Game
Nation Relation Geography Catch Games
AMC Montessori Summer Newsletter - Part III
Donated by Nation Relation

Acting Out How Animals Survive Winter
Donated by North American Montessori Center

Free Montessori Short Vowel Bingo

Free Montessori Grammar Bingo

Enjoy!

Heidi
http://www.amonco.org

Montessori Supplemental Creative Lesson Planning for Preschoolers

2010-09-10T19:12:00.000-07:00

Free Fall Art Lessons for Montessorians

2010-09-04T12:23:00.000-07:00

Free Art Related Lessons Found in AMC Montessori - Fall Newsletter

Part I

Color Wheels ~ A Lesson Plan for Learning to Mix Colors with Poster
(Tempera) Paint by Rae of The Creative Process http://www.netposterworks.com/resources/curideas/colorwheel.html

Felting Lesson 3: Humans Discover Felting by Pat of Harrsiville Designs
http://www.harrisville.com/woolworks.htm

Decoupage Has Never Looked This Good by Janet of Chinaberry
http://www.chinaberry.com

Make a Guiro by Georgette of Cantemos http://www.cantemosco.com

See http://www.amonco.org/creative01/montessori_fall1.pdf Part I for detailed information.

Part II

Recipe for Wood Dough for Sculpting Submitted by Richard of Lord Company http://www.lordequip.com

Turtle Drawing Lesson by Kim of Draw Your World - http://www.drawyourworld.com

Please also visit Visit http://www.amonco.org/turtleset.jpg to use with this lesson.

For detailed information about the free lessons found in Part II, please see http://www.amonco.org/creative/montessori_fall2.pdf

Part III

Pine Covered Snow Trees by Cathie Perolman - http://www.joyful-noise.com/jnp/handson.htm

The Friendship Tree Art Activity from North American Montessori Center http://www.montessoritraining.net

Making at Home Craft Recipes by Rae of The Creative Process http://www.creativeprocess.net

For detailed free lesson plans found in Part III, please see http://www.amonco.org/creative3/montessori_fall3.pdf

Part IV

Italy Unit Study Including Art History and Art Resource links
http://www.amonco.org/montessori_italy.html

Painting Kitchen Trivets by Karen of Fun Felt http://www.funfel.com

For detailed free lesson plans found in Part IV, please see http://www.amonco.org/creative/montessori_fall4.pdf

Part V

Apple Wreaths by Jaye of Creative Care http://CreativeCare.netfirms.com

Sewing a Friendship Quiet by Dale of North American Montessori Center http://www.montessoritraining.net

For detailed free lesson plans found in Part V, please see http://www.amonco.org/creative5/montessori_fall5.pdf

Part VIII

Zebra Stick Craft by Anna of Wood, Etc..
http://www.woodetccorp.com

Broken Rib Scarf with Seed Stitch Easy Beginner Pattern
by Lois of Bountiful Spinning, Weaving and Knitting http://www.bountifulspinweave.com

For free lessons found in Part VIII, please see http://www.amonco.org/creative08/montessori_fall8.pdf

Part IX

Combing Learning and Fun at Art Museums by Wenda of Birdcage Press
http://www.birdcagepress.com
Combine Learning and Fun at Art Museums
*Treasure Hunt
*Art Collector
*I Spy an Eye
*Scavenger Hunt
For free lessons found in Part IX, please see http://www.amonco.org/creative9/montessori_fall9.pdf

Special September Montessori Drawing - Enter Today!

2010-09-03T17:16:00.000-07:00

The American Montessori Consulting Resource Directory Celebrates 10th Anniversary - Enter the drawing for a chance to win special prizes See http://www.amonco.org for a
description of the prizes.

Visit http://wwww.amonco.org to enter.
Scroll down until you see the entry form!

It's time to enter the special AMC September drawing.

September 1st Place Prizes donated by the following companies:

Bountifulspinweave.com
Cantemosco.com
Little-Folks-Music.com
Hands on Equations
The Creative Process
Homeschool.Literatureplace.com
AMC Montessori Bookstore

September 2nd Place Prizes donated by the following
companies:

Conceptual Learning - A Montessori Company
Kimbo Educational
Learning Success(TM)Institute
Coyote Creek Productions
AMC Montessori Bookstore

Visit http://www.amonco.org for a description of prizes available!

Heidi
http://www.amonco.org

Don't Forget to Enter the Montessori August Drawing!

2010-08-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

New for August - October! The American Montessori Consulting Resource Directory Celebrates 10th Anniversary - Enter the drawing for a chance to win special prizes Visit AMC Montessori Resource Directory to enter. Scroll down until you see the entry form!

August 1st Place Prizes donated by the following companies:

Kimbo Education
Literatureplace.com
Learning Success Institute
AMC Montessori Books

August 2nd Place Prizes donated by the following
companies:

Borenson and Associates
Coyote Creek Productions
AMC Books

You could be a lucky winner. Prizes include:

Ribbons and Rhythms CD - Kimbo Education
Free Subscription - Literatureplace.com
Free Gift Certificate - Learning Success Institute
Drawing Lessons for Beginners DVD - Coyote Creek Productions
Montessori Books on CDs

Visit American Montessori Consulting and scroll down to the middle of the page to access additional details.

Enjoy!
Heidi

Fall Forward with Free Lesson Planning

2010-08-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

Seeing is believing! The 2010 issue of the AMC Montessori Fall Hands On Newsletter is one of the most comprehensive free .pdf Montessori newsletters, and best of all it is FREE!

The creative educators that comprise the AMC Montessori Resource Center have generously contributed their ideas, lessons and resources in an effort to help you create some interesting, hands-on lessons for grades PreK - Grade 12. Look below to see topics:

Table of Contents

Part I

Hands-On Autumn Adventures - Autumn Leaves, Pumpkins, and Apple Classification
Harvesting Activities and Unit Studies
Gardens for Schools - Get Ready Now for Your Spring Garden
Aebleskiver ~ A Danish Pancake
Color Wheels ~ A Lesson Plan for Learning to Mix Colors with Poster
(Tempera) Paint
Famous Montessorians
Felted Ball Ornaments
Felted Bead Necklaces
< felted pouches
Jack-O-Lanterns
Special Decoupage Craft
Instructions for Making a Guiro - Caribbean Musical Instrument
Relaxation Exercises for the Classroom

Part II

Sound Effects Activities
Have You Heard the Following About Honey?
Recipe for Wood Dough for Sculpting
Turtle Drawing Lesson
Rice Pudding
Apple Sauce Parfait
Kathy O'Reilly Shares the Recipe - Fresh Fruit Freeze
from Cooking With Children Can Be Easy
Math Sequencing

Part III

Hobby City - Fun for Free Year Round
"Bread-on-the-Inside" Sandwich snacks
Omelet in a Bag
Snow Covered Pine Trees
Getting to Know Each Other Activity
Making Applesauce
The Friendship Tree
Make at Home Craft Recipes

Part IV

A Unit Study Featuring Italy
Middle School Word Puzzles
Painted Kitchen Trivet
Delighting in Little Things - Children and Microscopes
Article ~ Searching for the Right Book?
When in Doubt, Start with the Winners!
Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
Download Free Songs in French, Spanish, Italian, German and Chinese

Part V

Apple Wreaths
Making Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Montessori Cosmic Education and Peace: The Outdoor Environment
Sewing a Friendship Quilt
Literature Link Activity

Part VI

Geography Catch Games ~ A Game to Promote International Peace
Lithuanian Cranberry Cake
Fish Printing ~ An Ancient Art First Perfected in Asia
Free Hands-On Algebra Activity
Beginning Cross Stitch and Continental Stitch for Making Coasters, Etc.
Educational Posters Directory & Resources Guide for
Lifelong Learners, Classrooms, &
Homeschoolers from The Creative Process

Part VII

Writing Pattern Activity
Lesson Plan for Autumn by Vivaldi
Apple Angel Food Cake
Oma's Cookies ~ A German Recipe
Favorite Zucchini Bread

Part VIII

Zebra Stick Craft
Simply Sound Science Activity
Broken Rib Scarf with Seed Stitch Border
Macaroni and Cheese
Montessori Unit Study - The Cardiovascular System

Part IX

Combine Learning and Fun at Art Museums
*Treasure Hunt
*Art Collector
*I Spy an Eye
*Scavenger Hunt
Ever Been on a Microscope Safari?
See Gardening Related Articles and Lesson Planning Ideas Below:
Nectar Recipe for Hummingbirds
Family Fun While Camping
But We're Bored....
Rainy Day Blues
What to do with all those Tomatoes?
Homemade Fresh Tomato Ketchup
Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins

To download the entire newsletter, please visit AMC Montessori Fall Newsletter

Enjoy!

Heidi Anne Spietz

AMC Montessori Online Resource Center's 10th Anniversary

2010-08-02T13:33:00.001-07:00

The American Montessori Consulting Online Resource Center is celebrating its 10th anniversary. From August - October, members of
the online resource center will be donating special prizes for the monthly drawing.

Visit www.amonco.org to see the list of 1st place and 2nd place prizes.

Then, visit AMC Online Resource Directory to enter the August drawing.

Read the directions. Then, scroll down to the bottom of the page, to complete the entry form process.

Be sure to click the links on the http://www.amonco.org/directory.html Why waste valuable time, when you can easily receive the services and products from the eclectic array of companies and organizations featured in this directory?

Wishing you a productive upcoming school year,

Heidi
http://www.amonco.org
Celebrating 22 Years of Serving School and Home Educators
Montessori for the 21st Century

Dog Days of Summer - Lessons to Make It Enjoyable

2010-07-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

Summertime Lesson Planning Links. Click here for details.

Summer Home Learning Recipes Grades K - 12. Click here.

Discover the Basketball & Whole Body Memorizing activity. by visiting this link.

Obtain some from Simple Songs For Circle Time, Percussion Bands and Musical Concerts! By Shari and Jerry Tallon. by visiting this link.

Enjoy!
Heidi Anne Spietz
http://www.amonco.org

Montessori Lesson Pick of the Week June 28, 2010

2010-07-01T07:39:00.000-07:00

Recipes and Crafts for July 4th Celebrations

AMC Fourth of July Lesson Planning Links

Make a Yankee Doodle Hat

Montessorian Dale Gausman will walk you through a Making Apple Cinnamon Muffins presentation Click here to access this yummy recipe.

Special 4th of July Meal Planning Sara Ambarian's Independence Day Recipes

Patriotisim Free Funfelt Patriotic Crafts

Great idea for 4th of July Celebrations and other summer celebrations Dad's Awesome Grilling Book.

Ligia, from Childsake, shares Lithuanian Cranberry Cake. and Aromatic Basmati Rice with Saffron.

Rick, from Fun With Languages, offers Pistachio Poppy Seed Cake

Carolyn, from Excellence in Education offers Oma's Cake

Montessorian Dianne Knesek offers Summer Fruit, Cheese, and Meat Kabobs Click here for details.

Make dad an Aebleskiver ~ A Danish Pancake for breakfast Locate the recipe here

Watermelon Blueberry Banana Split by Cooking with Children Can Be Easy For complete info you can use right now, click here.

Farm Country General Story Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Click here to access the info.

Get the Fresh off the Cobb (Corn Casserole for your Freezer)by visiting this link.

Home Made Ice Cream for Two in a Bag For complete info you can use right now, click here.

Get the delicious Sour Cream Fudge recipe from Wildridge by visiting this link.

Farm Country’s Favorite Cornbread Recipe Click here to access the info.

Enjoy!
Heidi Anne Spietz
http://www.amonco.org

Montessori Pick for the Week of June 13, 2010

2010-06-13T06:01:00.000-07:00

Recipes and Crafts for Father's Day Celebrations

Jaye, from Creative Care, shares a great craft for Father's Day. offers Please see Click here for details.

Montessorian Dale Gausman will walk you through a Making Apple Cinnamon Muffins presentation Click here to access this yummy recipe.

Janet, from Chinaberry, will show you how to make beautiful gift boxes out of plain ones Click here for details.

Great idea for Father's Day and 4th of July Celebrations and other Summer Celebrations Dad's Awesome Grilling Book.

Ligia, from Childsake, shares Lithuanian Cranberry Cake. and Aromatic Basmati Rice with Saffron.

Karen Clark, from Fun Felt, offers a great craft/gift that can be made in either a school or homeschool environment. See Handprint Towel for details.

Rick, from Fun With Languages, offers Pistachio Poppy Seed Cake

Carolyn, from Excellence in Education offers Oma's Cake

Montessorian Dianne Knesek offers Summer Fruit, Cheese, and Meat Kabobs Click here for details.

Make dad an Aebleskiver ~ A Danish Pancake for breakfast Locate the recipe here

Watermelon Blueberry Banana Split by Cooking with Children Can Be Easy For complete info you can use right now, click here.

Farm Country General Story Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Click here to access the info.

Get the Fresh off the Cobb (Corn Casserole for your Freezer)by visiting this link.

Home Made Ice Cream for Two in a Bag For complete info you can use right now, click here.

Get the delicious Sour Cream Fudge recipe from Wildridge by visiting this link.

Farm Country’s Favorite Cornbread Recipe Click here to access the info.

Enjoy!
Heidi Anne Spietz
http://www.amonco.org

Montessori Lesson Pick of the Week May 24, 2010

2010-05-23T19:03:00.000-07:00

Montessorian Dianne Knesek offers Summer Fruit, Cheese, and Meat Kabobs Click here for details.

Watermelon Blueberry Banana Split by Cooking with Children Can Be Easy For complete info you can use right now, click here.

Farm Country General Story Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Click here to access the info.

Get the Fresh off the Cobb (Corn Casserole for your Freezer)by visiting this link.

Home Made Ice Cream for Two in a Bag For complete info you can use right now, click here.

Get the delicious Sour Cream Fudge recipe from Wildridge by visiting this link.

Farm Country’s Favorite Cornbread Recipe Click here to access the info.

Receive additional Memorial Day and 4th of July Recipes)by visiting this link.

Enjoy!
Heidi Anne Spietz
http://www.amonco.org

Montessori Pick for the Week of May 17, 2010

2010-05-17T17:19:00.000-07:00

Nation Relation (R) Geography Guessing Game Click here for details.

Shari and Jerry offer Celebrate the Letter "B". For complete info you can use right now, click here..

Discover the Basketball & Whole Body Memorizing activity by visiting this link.

Free Questions and Answers About Bilingual Learning are at your fingertips. by clicking here

Introducing a Bird Feeder by Montessorian Dale Gausman (NAMC). Click here to access the info..

Obtain some from Simple Songs For Circle Time, Percussion Bands and Musical Concerts! By Shari and Jerry Tallon by visiting this link.

Enjoy!
Heidi Anne Spietz
http://www.amonco.org

Montessori Lesson Pick of the Week May 10, 2010

2010-05-12T14:18:00.000-07:00

Patria Press offers a wealth of free information in the form of lessons, webquests and newsletters Click here for details.

Wenda, from Birdcage Press, provides some excellent vignettes featuring Botticell, Fra Angelico, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael. For more details click on the link.

Be sure to check out the cooperative games by Rae from Creative Process.by visiting this link.

Your next stop should be to Stillson Works Middle School Puzzles

Diana, from Nature’s Workshop Plus, knows that we love the beauty of spring, so she showers us with some springtime nature activities that are sure to be enjoyed in any Montessori environmentJust click this link to receive the free information.

Enjoy!
Heidi Anne Spietz
http://www.amonco.org

Let Every Day Be Earth Day!

2010-04-21T14:12:00.001-07:00

Visit the following links for Montessori consistent lesson planning ideas:

Childsake - Environmental Resources

Garden Artisans

Nature Activities from Nature's Workshop Plus

Free Land and Water Forms from LORD Company

Berries, Nuts and Seeds from Farm Country General Store

Organic Garden Seeds from Farm Country General Store

A Gardening Unit Study

A Gardening Year Round - Tips from an Expert

Enjoy!

Heidi Spietz

Montessori Pick for the Week of March 21, 2010

2010-03-24T06:30:00.000-07:00

Make a Festive Hat for Easter, Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day and more...

Easy Easter Tie Dye

Making Grass-Eggshell People by NAMC Montessorian Dale Gausman

Exploring Eggs - Food Related Activities by Montessorian Kathy O'Reilly

Stillson Works Easter and Passover Middle School Puzzle

Easter and Passover Ideas

More Easter and Passover Ideas

Enjoy!

Heidi Anne Spietz

Montessori Pick for the Week of March 14, 2010

2010-03-15T17:00:00.000-07:00

AMC Montessori Spring Hands-On Learning Newsletter

Montessori Springtime Celebrations

Montessori Springtime 2010 Resource News

2010-03-01T11:36:00.001-08:00

Conceptual Learning - http://www.conceptuallearning.com

Dianne Knesek will be attending the national American Montessori Society Conference in Boston, March 25th through March 28th. If you are planning to attend the conference stop by the Conceptual Learning booth to chat with her. Please see Spring Newsletter I for information about free Montessori math lessons.

LORD Company - http://www.lordequip.com/

The LORD Company Winter Sale at http://www.lordequip.com ends on April 1. Lots of half price furniture, close outs and bargains. New Products include graded chalk boards in the "Writing to Perfection" category at http://www.lordequip.com now available in a Stand for display at introductory prices. Our best selling product for home sales (the Infant Chair and Matching Hard Wood Table) is on sale through March at $139. All these offers may be seen on the Home Page at http://www.lordequip.com.

Please see http://www.amonco.org/spring2/montessori_spring2.pdf for information about a free geography set of land and water form cards and simple reading books - both available from LORD Company.

Speak and Sing - Shari and Jerry - http://www.shariandjerry.com/

Add a little music to your curriculum. Shari and Jerry have just released their Songs for Every Season CD. This award winning CD is sure to delight children, school and home educators and others with the fine selection of award winning children's songs.

Check with your local library system to see if they have ordered this CD. If not, encourage them to do so. The Songs for Every Season CD/book has already been ordered by the Santa Clara County Library in Los Gatos,CA, Awhile ago, this library system ordered Shari and Jerry's Simple Songs for Circle Time. If you live in that area, you can easily borrow and preview both CDs today.

The School Library Journal recently reviewed the new Songs for Every Season CD., and you will want to take time now to read this wonderful review. Please visit http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6674070.html

To access the free Simple Songs for Circle Time, Percussion Bands and Musical Concerts, please visit http://www.amonco.org/spring2/montessori_spring2.pdf

Literatureplace.com - http://www.literatureplace.com/

Announcing the online availability of the 2010 Edition from www.literatureplace.com

The 2010 Edition of all literureplace.com’s resources will be available for purchase on March 15, 2010! See the Sample BookfolioPLUS 2010 online beginning Mar. 9, 2010 to preview of all the new features unique to this edition. The discount has been raised to 20% and is available until 4/15/10. Use code #20101 to receive discount.

See http://www.literatureplace.com for details.

Download some free literatureplace.com free lesson planning ideas by visiting

http://www.amonco.org/creative/montessori_fall4.pdf

Gari Stein - http://www.little-folks-music.com/together.htm

Gari Stein recently announced that on March 13 she will be the keynote speaker at a Michigan early childhood regional conference. A week later, on March 20th, Gari will be a featured speaker the Michigan Reading Association Annual Conference. Gari also has the honor of being a USA Book News National Best Books Award Winner. Please see http://www.little-folks-music.com/ , http://www.amonco.org/together.html and http://www.amonco.org/howto.html for more information about various products and services offered by Gari.

Hands On Equations - http://www.Borenson.com/

Were you unable to attend the special Montessori free Hands On Equations Webinars that were offered last month?? Some of your Montessori colleagues attended last month's webinars and received invaluable information.

Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity afforded to you. A Hands-On Equations Learning System, to use with one student, is raffled at each webinar.

You are just one click away from being a part of the next webinar. It's easy and free.

To register for an upcoming webinar, click on one of the links listed below and complete the registration process:

Thursday, March 4, 3:15 - 4:00 PM Hands-On Equations Introductory Webinar

Wednesday, March 10, 1:15 - 2:00 PM Hands-On Equations Introductory Webinar

Wednesday, March 17, 3:15 - 4:00 PM Hands-On Equations Introductory Webinar

Funfelt - http://www.funfelt.com

Obtain a free felt board figure sample and catalog from Story Time Felts - Fun Felt for Kids. Visit www.funfelt.com for all of your hands-on felt visual aids including felt boards for science, math, and social studies. Their felt products are 100% made in the USA and safety tested. Request a free sample and catalog at http://www.funfelt.com

Karen Clark, of Funfelt, is also pleased to introduce the new

http://www.funfelt.com/thematic-unit-workshops.html Monthly Thematic Unit Workshops from Story Time Felts

and

http://www.funfelt.com/community-helper-dolls.html Community Helpers

Download some free Funfelt lesson planning ideas by visiting

http://www.amonco.org/creative/montessori_fall4.pdf

Brand New!!

Montessori Resources 2010 on CD

Please see http://www.amonco.org/bookstore.html

Wishing you a blessed springtime filled with many beautiful new beginnings,

Heidi Anne Spietz

Montessori Pick for the Week of February 21, 2010

2010-02-22T19:22:00.000-08:00

Bountiful Spinweave Links
Find links to free projects, lesson planning ideas and other offering

Broken Rib Scarf with Seed Stitch Border - EASY BEGINNER PATTERN

Learn How to Knit and Crochet

Montessori Pick for the Week of February 14, 2010

2010-02-16T14:56:00.000-08:00

Olympics Theme

Nation Relation Geography Catch Games

AMC Olympics Montessori Grammar Bingo

Special Valentine Treats

2010-02-08T06:17:00.000-08:00

Click below to receive some links to some delightful, delicious recipes and handmade gifts.

Fashioned Sugar Cookie Cutouts ~ Recipe from Montessorian
Scented Baskets
Nutty Chocolate Pudding Squares by Montessorian Diane Knesek
Handprint Towels
Holiday Cheesecake
Farmers Favorite Fudge
Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Painted Kitchen Trivets
Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
Making Apple Cinnamon Muffins by Montessorian Dale Gausman
Lithuanian Cranberry Cake
Apple Angel Food Cake
Oma's Cake

Montessori Pick for the Week of January 31, 2010

2010-02-03T05:57:00.000-08:00

Please click on the following for some excellent lesson planning ideas.

The Rain Stick or Rain Maker

Soap That Grows

Three Little Kittens - Literature Link

Montessori Pick for the Week of January 3, 2009

2010-01-02T13:36:00.000-08:00

January and February Lesson Planning Links

AMC Montessori Resource Center
Visit the center and enter the monthly drawing!

Winter Olympics 2010 Lesson Planning Ideas

Hot Montessori Links for December Holidays

2009-12-14T06:25:00.000-08:00

http://www.amonco.org/christmasinaustralia.html

Christmas in Australia

http://www.amonco.org/montessoriwinterlessons.html

AMC 2009 Montessori Winter Hands On Newsletter

http://www.amonco.org/grammarforchildren.html

AMC Holiday Montessori Grammar Bingo and Extension Exercises

http://www.amonco.org/montessori_fall_handson.html

AMC 2009 Montessori Fall Hands On Newsletter

http://www.amonco.org/ambarian_holiday.pdf

Special Holiday Meals for Special Diets

http://www.amonco.org/grammarforchildren.html

AMC Holiday Montessori Grammar Bingo and Extension Exercises

http://www.amonco.org/fall99.html

More Holidays Around the World

http://www.amonco.org/1fall_winter2001.html

Christmas Around the World Part I

http://www.amonco.org/2fall_winter2001.html

Christmas Around the World Part II

http://www.amonco.org/animalsinthewinter.html

Animals in the Winter - Links for Montessori Unit Study

http://www.amonco.org/holidayrecipes.html

Recipes for the Holidays

Enjoy!

Heidi Anne Spietz

Montessori Pick for the Week of December 6, 2009

2009-12-07T18:49:00.000-08:00

More Montessori Winter Lesson Planning in Store for You!

Visit the following links:

Part VI

See http://www.amonco.org/winter6/montessori_winter6.pdf

Another yummy recipe that is sure to delight the chocolate lovers in your family is Farmer’s Favorite Fudge recipe. This was contributed by Larry of Farm Country General Store.

Angela, from Wildridge Software, submitted a Hearty Fall Kale Soup recipe that is sure to warm you up on chilly wintery days.

Now for some soapy science fun!!! You read that right. John, from Exploration Education contributed a free Soap That Grows lesson. This lesson is in .pdf and contains all of the illustrations, pictures and detailed lesson plans you need to make this activity a success.

Part VII

See http://www.amonco.org/winter7/montessori_winter7.pdf

Try a unique, tasty recipe that is sure to delight your friends and family. Mary Roberts, from Hello Wood, sums up the taste of her Onion Pie recipe with one word…..Yum-m-m-m!!

Elaine, from Kimbo Educational, makes informal entertaining quick and easy with her delicious Spinach Dip Recipe. Elaine also provided a literature link activity for Three Little Kittens.

Crepes Recipe for Children can be used as part of a unit study about the French culture. It could also be used for specific multicultural celebrations, and would be a scrumptious addition to a holiday meal.

Marjorie Kiel Persons contributed Winter by Vivaldi. Educators can use her complete lesson plan by customizing it to fit most age groups. Here are just a few ways educators can use the unit study:

*Put into historical context, i.e. Baroque Period – the Pilgrims’ landing at Plymouth Rock in 1620.

*Creatively used in conjunction with art, science and geography activities

*Easily incorporated into other existing music programs

Marjorie includes links to lyrics and to a portrait of Vivaldi.
Please see http://www.amonco.org/winter7/montessori_winter7.pdf
to view this entire lesson plan.

Sharon Jeffus shared the following in the recently uploaded AMC
Fall/Winter 2008 newsletter.

“This lesson has as its goal not only to teach a little history, teaching
drawing skills, show how important art is for communication, but to encourage children spiritually and creatively as well. C.S. Lewis’s movie “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe,” is truly a work of art. We are going to focus first on the door through the wardrobe and secondly on Father Christmas and his gifts. It is exciting to think about going into a window or door into someplace very special. Windows are exciting ideas for art projects. Tomp d’oil is the idea of looking back into time. Perspective is used so that it looks like you could actually walk into the picture.”

To receive a free Visual Manna newsletter just brimming with excellent FREE art lesson plans visit Part VII.

Now, that you have some new lesson plans, delve in and begin to put some extra sparkle into your school and home school settings. I wish you a fun filled winter..

Many of the resource participants who contributed to this newsletter are featured in the monthly drawings. See the AMC Montessori website for details on how to enter. Visit http://www.amonco.org andhttp://www.amonco.org/directory.html today!

Visit American Montessori Consulting and look under New and Notable for additional articles and free lesson plans.

Heidi Anne Spietz

http://www.amonco.org

Montessori Pick for the Week of November 29, 2009

2009-12-03T08:46:00.000-08:00

Highlights from the AMC Montessori Newsletter

Part III

See http://www.amonco.org/winter3/montessori_winter3.pdf

I love the smell of baked apples. This autumn and winter try a new apple recipe. Ginger-Coconut Baked Apples is sure to delight your family and friends. Dale, from North American Montessori Center, has also shared the Montessori Button-Buddy activity. Dale takes you step by step on how to present this lesson and provides an extension exercises as well.

Richard, from LORD Company, has uploaded some FREE materials for you to use in your school and home classrooms. Read Part II of this newsletter to learn more about The Land and Water Forms Cards and Labels set and how to use them.

Verna, from The Music House, contributed the Aromatic Basmatic Rice with Saffron. This delicious dish could be served at any upcoming multicultural event or be an unexpected delicious treat for your holiday meal.

Wenda, from Birdcage Press, has provided an amazing let of free lesson planning materials for a unit study about Renaissance and Impressionist artists.

Part IV

See http://www.amonco.org/winter4/montessori_winter4.pdf

The Scented Basket project, contributed by Mariaemma of Coaching for Learning Success, provides an opportunity for your students to learn more about art, and they will end up with a special holiday gift. Dianne, from Conceptual Learning, provides yet another tasty Nutty Chocolate Pudding Squares recipe that is great for your holiday parties. Dianne, has also graciously contributed some outstanding Montessori Math Sequencing lessons in .pdf

Georgette, from Cantemos, has compiled information for an integrated, fun pineapple unit study.

It’s not to late for the younger children to participate in the fall squirrel project. This is one new project that you will want to tuck away for next fall as well. Your students are also sure to enjoy the papier mache activity submitted by Shari of Shari and Jerry.

Dr. Borenson, from Hands On Equations, has once again contributed a free hands-on algebra activity. In this section, you will also discover more about the free Animals in the Winter unit study.

Part V

See http://www.amonco.org/winter5/montessori_winter5.pdf

Karen, from Fun Felt, has consistently demonstrated her creative talents. In this issue, she has shared her Handprint Towel. This activity is a wonderful hands-on project, with the dual effect of doing something truly meaningful with children and helping them to create a gift with lasting memories. Karen has also shared her special Pumpkin Pie Scented Playdough Recipe. This is sure to delight the younger set!!

Joan, from Nation Relation, submitted a Recipe of World Tolerance. This is something we continually need to impart to those we educate.

Ligia, from Childsake, submitted an easy to make, delicious Holiday Cheesecake. Yum!!

Enjoy!
Heidi Anne Spietz

Montessori Pick for the Week of November 15, 2009

2009-11-16T05:32:00.000-08:00

Below, are just some of the highlights of the AMC Fall/Winter 2009 Hands On Newsletter.

Part 1
See http://www.amonco.org/winter1/montessori_winter1.pdf

In Part 1 you will discover the following:

KidzClix.net has contributed Make-A-Food-Mosaic. This fun activity incorporates art and larger geometrical shapes. This is an excellent extension practical life exercise that can be used with any food unit study. KidzClix has also donated a bonus activity that children can do for FREE right at their website. Don't miss out. Visit Part 1 for details.

Also, included in Part I is Rita Arpaia's Start with the Winners Book List. She will show you the recipe for making just the right match for your children. Then, take some time out to discover Mollie's Collage Paste Mix activity. Mollie has probably used this activity many times in her Montessori classroom.

Rae, from the Creative Process, has offered three free activities that will spark the imagination of your students. Scribble Designs, Masks and Mask Making, Sharing Food unit study and a wonderful, brand new Teaching Alternative Energy Ideas will all add some zip to your winter lesson planning.

Part II

See http://www.amonco.org/winter2/montessori_winter2.pdf

Linda, from the Storyboard , submitted the Rain Stick or Rain Maker. This fun filled activity, designed for young children, is sensorial and an imaginative art exercise. When the project is completed, children will enjoy making the sound of rain with their rain sticks.

Rick, from Fun With Languages, contributed a Miami style Pistachio Poppy Seed Cake recipe. This recipe would be a great addition to any holiday gathering. Speaking of recipes, renowned Montessori teacher, Kathy O'Reilly, from Cooking With Children Can Be Easy, submitted a yummy Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Cutouts. This recipe is also perfect for your holiday celebrations.

Heidi Anne Spietz

http://www.amonco.org

AMC Special Montessori Holiday News and Lessons

2009-11-06T16:07:00.000-08:00

Some Montessori Holiday News by Heidi Anne Spietz

The American Montessori Society 2009 Fall Conference was outstanding. I enjoyed attending the workshops and visiting the exhibit center.

AMS Workshops

The workshops were excellent. Visit AMS Fall Conference for a list of what was offered. See American Montessori Consulting - Facebook for comments about some of the workshops.

Exhibitors

I spoke with Dave from Hello Wood and was really impressed with the brand new memory puzzle. Dave will transform a picture featuring your favorite pet, a child, other relative, vacation spot, etc. into a BEAUTIFUL memory puzzle. Contact Dave via e-mail at dave@hellowood.com or call (931)498-2432 for additional information.

Representatives from Conceptual Learning, Hands On Equations/, Insta-Learn , and Priority Montessori were among the many represented there.

Montessori for the 21st Century Special Drawing News

Don't forget to enter the AMC Montessori November Drawing. The first place winner will receive the Bountiful Quick-to-Knit Scarf Ki by Bountiful Spinweave plus other prizes!!!! To enter visit AMC Resource Center and complete the entry form located at the bottom of the page.

AMC Fall and Winter Lesson Planning

Complete free fall and winter lesson plans await you.

Please visit

Fall Hands on Newsletter

and

Winter Hands On Newsletter

Montessorian Dale Gausman has added some new Montessori lessons to the AMC Fall/Winter 2009 edition. See Winter Section 3 to access the Smelling Bottles and Acting Out How Animals Survive in the Winter lessons.

For descriptions of all of the wonder lessons available, please visit Montessori Fall Hands On Lessons and Montessori Winter Hands On Lessons

Special Holiday Articles and Montessori Exercises

Visit the following links to access the free information.

Montessori Holiday Grammar Game for Children

Montessori Community Service Projects

Special Holiday Meals for Special Diets

Thanksgiving Thoughts: Passing Along Some Positive Perspective with the Pumpkin Pie

More Holidays Around the World

Christmas Around the World Part 1

Christmas Around the World Part II

and

Animals in the Winter - A Montessori Unit Study

Montessori Pick for the Week of October 19, 2009

2009-10-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

Social Studies - AMC Montessori Fall Hands On Newsletter

More Hands On Activities for Making Geography Meaningful

In Part VII Ed and Suzanne from The Puzzle Man share Fun Filled Creative Ways to Use the USA Map.

Enjoy!

Heidi

http://www.amonco.org

Montessori Picks for the Week of September 21, 2009

2009-09-21T14:04:00.000-07:00

Begin the first week of autumn by infusing some innovate math lessons into your curriculum.

Math

In the current AMC Montessori Fall Hands On Lesson Planning Newsletter, Mel, from MTE, Ltd. provides a problem solving sample to help students learn about transversable curves. Based on the thoughts of Piaget and Montessori; Educational Critical Thinking is logical and productive thinking that is capable of extending ideas, creating new ideas, and synthesizing patterns of thought. Educational Critical Thinking is a type of disciplined reasoning and must be self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective. See Part V

In Part VI, Dr. Borenson, of Hands On Equations, has provided some free algebra samples for you to present to your children. Click here to download the exercises.

Visit American Montessori Consulting and look under New and Notable for additional articles and free lesson plans.

Enjoy!

Heidi
http://www.amonco.org

Montessori Picks for the Week of September 14, 2009

2009-09-14T14:54:00.001-07:00

More in Store for you this Fall from AMC

Click on the highlighted links below to access this free information!

Science and Nature

In In Part II Janette, from Cotton’s Journey, shares her
COTTON BOLL’S BOUNTY ACTIVITY Janette tells us that the student will be able to compare cotton lint varieties, predict and record, compute percentages, and discover the properties of spinning and crushing cottonseed oil.

This activity is an interdisciplinary unit for the following grades:

1st-3rd, Mathematics, Life Sciences, Nature of Science
4th-6th, Mathematics, Life Sciences, Nature of Science
7th, Mathematics, Life Sciences, Nature of Science

John, from Exploration Education, will walk you through the science activity SIMPLY SOUND, which helps children understand the properties of sound, and they will actually have fun doing so. Visit Part VIII for details.

Don and Diana, from Nature’s Workshop Plus, have authored the article Delighting in Discovering Little Things. Set aside time to read this informative piece. Children will discover new ways to see the world through a hand held magnifying glass or microscope. Seehttp://www.amonco.org/creative/montessori_fall4.pdf to download this information.

Ever been on a microscope safari? Get ready, set, go! See
Part IX for additional information.

Receive a complete cardiovasuclar unit study for K – 12 with links for post secondary students by visiting Part VIII

Free Educational Games

Alan, from Stillson Works, offers some unique, innovative Middle School Word Puzzles These puzzles will be especially useful for Columbus Day, Christmas, etc. Alan’s puzzles are also unique holiday gifts.

See Part IX to access the Birdcage Press Combine Learning and Fun at Art Museums article plus links to the Treasure Hunt, Art Collector, I Spy an Eye and Scavenger Hunt games.

Literature Lessons

Searching for the right book? When in doubt, start with the winners! Rita, from literatureplace.com will show you how to do just that! Whether you are in the process of compiling a reading booklist or in the process of creating your own book-awards program, this is the place to start. Visit http://www.amonco.org/creative/montessori_fall4.pdf to download Rita’s information.

Montessori Picks for the Week of September 7, 2009

2009-09-07T12:58:00.000-07:00

Below, is just a sampling of what you will find in the AMC Montessori AMC Fall Hands On Newsletter.

Sewing, Knitting and Needlepoint

Harrisville Designs offers several felt crafts, including the Felted Ball Ornament, Felted Bead Necklaces and Felted Pouches. See Part I for details.

Lois, from Bountiful, forwarded an easy to knit pattern that is perfect for beginners. Visit Broken Rib Scarf with Seed Stitch Border – EASY BEGINNER PATTERN to access this information.

Ruth, of Ruth Dilts Design, contributed complete instructions on how to make coasters. See Part VI for details.

Anna, from Wood, Etc., suggested that young children make Zebras that can be used in an Animal Safari unit study This project is indeed easy and inexpensive to make. Click here for more information.

Art

Crafts and Holiday Gift Giving

Wood Crafting and Drawing

Montessori Picks for the Week of August 31, 2009

2009-08-31T12:23:00.000-07:00

Make September Special!

Visit http://www.amonco.org/montessori_fall_handson.html to download the free AMC Montessori Fall Lesson Planning issue.

Below, is just a sampling of what you will find in this issue.

Recipes

Janet, from Chinaberry, forwarded a Frozen Jack-O-Lanterns recipe and Gari, from Music for Little Folks contributed a very special chocolate pudding recipe. Both are perfect for autumn parties. See Part IV

The Danish Aebleskiver contributed by Rae of the Creative Process, Lithuanian Cranberry Cake by Ligia of Childsakehttp://www.amonco.org/creative6/montessori_fall6.pdf and the German Oma’s Cake shared by Carolyn of Excellence in Education are three recipes that are perfect for the upcoming fall and winter months. Carolyn has also used the dough in the classroom for many creative projects. See Part VII

In a hurry? Try the Omelet in a Bag contributed by Joyful Noise Publications and Macaroni and Cheese contributed by Millie of Insta-Learn. See Part VIII

In Part II you will also find a ice pudding recipe submitted by Vera of The Music House.

Music

Georgette, from Cantemos, will lead you step by step on how to make a guiro. Think of the fun this musical instrument will create in your school and home classrooms. It will add much to multicultural discussions involving music and musical instruments of Latin America. Visit this link for details.

Shari, from Shari and Jerry, has provided some fun sensory extension exercises that will help children identify and discern different sounds. See Sound Effects Activities

Marjorie, from Classical Magic, offers a lesson plan for autumn by Vivaldi – from The Four Season. See Part VII You will discover that her very creative ideas can be adapted for various age groups.

Back to School Montessori Crafts and Exercises

In Part III, Dale Gausman, from the North American Montessori Center, shares two great back to school exercises. To access The Friendship Tree and the Getting to Know You Exercises click here. In
Part VI, Joan of Nation Relation, shares her Geography Catch Games. See
http://www.amonco.org/creative6/montessori_fall6.pdf for details.

Fall Literature Lesson Planning Favorites

2009-08-26T14:03:00.000-07:00

New and Notable from Literatureplace.com and Patria Press

Rita, from Literatureplace.com, recently had the following to share with the AMC readers: “In response to that need, we organized our Core Collection of 150 titles into five major categories."

Genre Collections

Theme Collections

Level Collections

Top Ten Collections

Special Collections

"Each of the five categories is presented online in an easy-to-use Planning Guide which includes the curriculum collections for that category. Visitors at literatureplace.com have full access to the guides to view the information provided for each title in a collection--information about genre, author, story summary, activities list, and much more. The online guides make it more convenient for you to both select titles to meet your plan as well as purchase resources from our three product series: Bookfolio Student Activity Guides, Chapter Reading Guides, and BookfolioPLUS titles. All our instructional resources are available online in two versions: you-download-for-instant-access and we-print-and-mail-to-you-access. We invite you to visit literatureplace.com and to take advantage of our online resources."

Visit http://www.literatureplace.com for more details. Don’t forget to download Rita’s free lessons included in the AMC Fall Montessori issue. Point your browser to http://www.amonco.org/montessorifalllessons.html

Spend some time at Patria Press http://www.patriapress.com and sign up for "The Young Patriots Biography Bulletin", and monthly newsletter. Subscribers will get a sneak preview of new releases, sample chapter excerpts of upcoming titles, fun facts about each "Young Patriot" and special offers.

• Hook Kids on History

• Get Kids Reading

• Jump-Start Kids' Curiosity

Florrie recently shared the following on her website: "In celebration of our young students returning to school and in honor of this September's International Reading Day, take advantage of special savings on the Young Patriots Series!"

Take a Montessori Style Tour of Italy

2009-08-25T06:41:00.000-07:00

The following PreK and K-8 links will lead you to articles, hands-on activities and other exercises that are compatible with the Montessori classified reading cards, phonics, grammar, creative writing, science, social studies and other extensive lesson plans found in Montessori at Home, Modern Montessori at Home and Modern Montessori at Home II by Heidi Anne Spietz books.

Links for Learning the Italian Language

Beginning Italian – Learn the Parts of a House

Beginning Italian – Colors

Teaching Children Italian: Parts of the House

The Alphabet: Teaching Children Italian Part 2

Numbers: Teaching Children Italian Part 3

Parts of the Body: Teaching Children Italian

Beginning French Lessons (Use the Materials for Lesson Presentations in English, Spanish and Italian)

Article – Why should children learn multiple languages?

Mexico for Children (written in Italian) Progressive Reading Practice

AMC Montessori Grammar Game (Customize to Present Grammar in Italian – Free Game Templates Included)

Native Lingo – Read Listen, Pronounce and Learn

Download a Free Italian Song

Links to Italian Art, Art History and Renaissance Fashion

Leonardo da Vinci Drawing

Art Appreciation for Preschool and Elementary Children

About Leonardo da Vinci (Links to Additional Unit Study)

Hands On Michelangelo Projects

Classroom Drawing and Painting Supplies

Italian Renaissance Costume Construction (for Older Children and Teens)

An Easy Italian Renaissance Gown

History of Italian Art

Italian Art & Italian Craft

Renaissance Art of Italy

Links to Music of Italy

Oh How I Love Italy – Music, Art, Food Seasoned with History and Geography

Vivaldi’s Musical Activities and Lessons for The Four Season

Italian Music Terms

Music Unit Study (William Tell Italy announcement: Finale by Gioachino Rossini) Ages 5 – 7

Music Unit Study (William Tell Overture: Finale by Gioachino Rossini)Ages 8 – 10

ITALIA – Musical Instruments Museums in Italy

A Brief History of Italian Opera – Listen to the Audio

Geography and Social Studies Links

Free Blank Outline Map of Italy

Maps of Italy (for Classification and Matching Exercises)

Italy Monuments: Past and Present

Italy, Rome & Roman Culture Educational Posters

Italy Timeline

Rome – the Late Republic

Italy History Timeline

Italy: History, Geography, Government and Culture

Great Italians in History

A History of Italy

History of the Italian Language

A Maria Montessori Worth Watching

Italian Recipes

Apple’s Manicotti (Watch as Apple leads children through the recipe process)

Sara’s Antipasto Salad Recipe

The Italian Chef

Easy Italian Recipes

Mexico for Bean Soup Recipe in Italian (Especially written for children)

Let’s Write and Discuss

Italy Around the World

Roman Food- History for Kids!

WebQuest for Kids

Androcles and the Lion Unit Study for the Theatre Production

Androclses and the Lion Felt Board Story

Visiting Rome with Your Kids

Visiting Italy with Children

Write Your Own Books – For K – 3rd Grade(Part I) – Create a booklet about Italy)

Write Your Own Books – For K – 3rd Grade (Part II) – Create a booklet about Italy

To access the complete unit study please visit http://www.montessori_italy.html

Montessori Unit Study

and

American Montessori Consulting

http://www.amonco.org

Enjoy!

Heidi Anne Spietz

Montessori Picks for the Week of August 23, 2009

2009-08-25T06:34:00.000-07:00

See http://www.amonco.org/montessori_fall_handson.html to access this information.

Some of the lessons have been contributed by the following Montessori teachers:

Dale Gausman

Richard Lord

Kathy O'Reilly

Mary Roberts

Heidi Spietz

Autumn is just around the corner, and the AMC 2009 Fall Hands On Newsletter is filled with ideas to help make Autumn 2009 truly meaningful for the children in your life. Most of the ideas, lesson plans and other creative offerings have been generously donated by the participants of the AMC Resource Center http://www.amonco.org/directory.html, and I have contributed a few myself. This newsletter is free of charge and contains free lesson plans, recipes and crafts.

Perhaps, you don’t live in an area where you can see the change of seasons firsthand. You have only seen the changing color of the leaves via a travelogue and can only imagine such majesty of nature. In Part I of the AMC Hands On Fall Montessori Newsletter, you will find the resources you need to help children learn about how and why leaves change color and how to grow and pick pumpkins and other aspects of fall gardening. Links to apple unit studies and apple recipes and crafts and more are available by clicking here and other sections of this newsletter.

Fall Gardening

Rae, from the Creative Process, provides autumn planting tips. See http://www.amonco.org/creative01/montessori_fall1.pdf

Janet, from Garden Artisans, shared her Nectar Recipe for Hummingbirds plus offers additional free information featuring Remembering the
Wildlife in our Fall Cleanup, Planting Bulbs for
Spring and Summer Color and Collecting Seeds – Great Fall Fun! See http://www.amonco.org/creative9/montessori_fall9.pdf for details.

Special Apple Recipes and Crafts

Dale, from North American Montessori Center, has contributed many Montessori presentations, including two excellent practical life exercises for this issue.

First, you will want to read through the Making Apple-Cinnamon Muffins unit. Let Dale walk you through setup, presentation, making the muffins, tidying up and tasting – all Montessori style. Extension exercises are also included. See Part V

Second, Dale has whipped up a delicious Montessori style Making Applesauce practical life exercise and recipe. See Part V of this newsletter to access this practical life exercise plus additional Montessori lessons contributed by North American Montessori Center.

Jaye, from Creative Care, contributed the Apple Wreath and song that can be used for children ages two to five. Visit Part V for details.

Montessorian Kathy O’Reilly, from Cooking with Children Can Be Easy has shared her Apple Sauce Parfait recipe. Kathy tells us that she has used this recipe with toddlers (18 months) through adults
(81 years) and that it tastes kind of like apple pie. Kathy provides the reader with a very complete set of practical life exercises. Sequence cards, shopping list, station setup of equipment, booklist, finger play and extension activities are also provided.

Want more?? Kathy has generously also included a Fresh Fruit Freeze recipe with practical life exercises. Both can be viewed and downloaded
by clicking here.

Don’t forget to download both the http://www.amonco.org/creative7/montessori_fall7.pdf to access the delicious the Apple Angel Food Cake recipe courtesy of Montessorian Dianne Knesek from Conceptual Learning.

This is just a sampling of what you will find in the brand new AMC Montessori Fall 2009 issue.

4th of July Lesson Planning Links

2009-06-27T08:02:00.000-07:00

AMC Fourth of July Lesson Planning Links

4th of July Montessori Unit Study

Yankee Doodle Hat

Patriotic Activities

Activities for Celebrating 'America Music Through Song'

4th of July Recipes
Scroll down until you see the Table of Contents

Summer Fruit, Cheese and Meat Kabobs
How to Make Manicotti - Fun for Kids
Watermelon Blueberry Banana Split

More 4th of July Recipes

HOME MADE ICE CREAM IN A BAG FOR TWO
Fresh off the Cobb (Corn Casserole for your Freezer)

Montessori Lesson Pick of the Week May 31, 2009

2009-06-04T12:45:00.000-07:00

Classified Seashell Activity - prioritymontessori.com/
http://www.amonco.org/summer/montessori_summer1.pdf

Make a Band - by Kidsongs.com
http://www.amonco.org/summer/montessori_summer1.pdf

Math Activities - Hands On Equations - Borenson.com
http://www.amonco.org/summer/montessori_summer1.pdf

Father's Day is Just Around the Corner - Chinaberry.com
Make Your Own Beautiful Gift Box
http://www.amonco.org/summer/montessori_summer1.pdf

Viginettes featuring Botticell, Fra Angelico, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and
Raphael - BirdCagePress.com
http://www.amonco.org/summer5/montessori_summer5.pdf

Montessori Lesson Pick of the Week May 11, 2009

2009-05-15T12:34:00.000-07:00

Children enjoy learning from their peers. By watching young Apple make her manicotti recipe, children will discover how they, too, can create this delicious Italian dish. Complete instructions for making Apple’s Manicotti are located directly below the video screen for easy reference. This is one video that school teachers, homeschool teachers, other parents and children won’t want to miss!!!! Visit http://www.amonco.org/summer2/montessori_summer2.pdf for details!!

Dale Gausman, owner of the North American Montessori Center, shows how children can plan, prepare, and execute a Spring or Summer Tea. Visit http://www.amonco.org/summer/montessori_summer1.pdf
for details.

Rae, from Creative Process, shares a new leaf print activity that combines the study of botany with art. To learn more visit http://www.amonco.org/summer4/montessori_summer4.pdf

Montessori Lesson Pick of the Week April 20, 2009

2009-04-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

Gardening Year Round - Tips from an Expert

Healthy Nutritional Tips for 21st Century Families

Montessori Lesson Pick of the Week March 22, 2009

2009-03-23T19:52:00.000-07:00

The following lessons have been contributed by Montessori teachers for your spring lesson planning:

Part IV — AMC Spring Newsletter
Dale Gausman of North Amrerican Montessori Center - NAMC
offers Introducing a Bird Feeder and Making Grass-Eggshell People

Part VIII - AMC Spring Newsletter

Montessorian Kathy O’Reilly, of Cooking with Children Can Be Easy, uses eggs as the focus of food related exercises. Her multi-subject integrated approach is supplemented with a Booklist for additional extension lessons.

Part II - AMC Spring Newsletter

Richard, of LORD Co. shares a free geography study in a free downloadable set of Land and Water Form Cards and Labels (includes shapes and definitions) and free beginning reading books.

Part I- AMC Spring Newsletter

Free Montessori Sequencing exercises are downloadable in .pdf courtesy of Dianne Knesek from Conceptual Learning

Visit AMC Montessori Spring Hands-On Learning Newsletter to access all of this information plus other free spring lesson plans.

Heidi
http://www.amonco.org

Montessori Lesson Pick of the Week March 9, 2009

2009-03-08T19:55:00.000-07:00

Visit http://www.amonco.org/springtime_celebrations.html to access the following:

Gardening & Other Springtime Nature Activities
and Theme Lesson Planning

• Ampersand Press - Games and Wildlife Stamps

• Childsake - Nature and the Environment

• Cotton's Journey

• Farm Country General Store - Open Pollinated Seeds

• Fun Felt Newsletter Article Loaded with Free Butterfly Lesson Planning Ideas

• Fun Felt - Science Theme Lesson Planning with Felt

• Free Birdhouse Plans and Patterns

• Free Gardening Tips amd More

• Free Information Source - Seashells for Classified Reading Exercises

• Free Lesson Planning Butterfly Links

• Garden Artisans - Newsletters, Projects and More

• Garden Forever for Gardeners of All Ages and Abilities

• Joyful Noise - Theme Related Materials - Wonderful Selection of Science Materials

• Lab Essentials, Inc. - Microscopes for Science Investigational Studies

• Introducing a Bird Feeder

• Making Grass-Eggshell People

• Nature's Workshop Plus!

• Priority Montessori Materials - Hands On Science

• Schoolmasters.com Science Kits and Activities

• Spring Gardening with Children - Make a Tepee (Free Instructions)

• Wildflowers - Free Lesson Planning Ideas

Springtime Art Activities

• allartsupplies.com- For School and Home Classrooms

• Chinaberry.com - Find the Perfect Nature and/or Springtime Theme Books

• Creative Care - Ideas Books (Jenny's Spring Crafts)

• Free Making Art from Seashells Activity

• Free Seashell Painting

• Nature's Workshop Plus!

• Paper Mache Pinata

• Celebrating Cinco de Mayo at The Holiday Zone

• Lesson Plan - Subtopic - Cinco de Mayo

• A Unit Study Lesson Plan About Mexico in?Spanish

• More Interdisciplinary Lesson Planning ~ Spanish Lessons and Cinco de Mayo

• Cinco de Mayo ~ Excellent Background Information

• Cinco de Mayo Recipes

• Creative Care - Ideas Books (Jenny's Crafts) - Wow! These are great!

• Free Mother's Day History and Activities

• History of Memorial Day

• Memorial Day

• Free Father's Day Projects

• Free Easter History and Activities

• Free Passover Ideas

• AMC Montessori Spring Hands-On Newsletter Part I

• AMC Montessori Spring Hands-On Newsletter Part II

• AMC Montessori Spring Hands-On Newsletter Part III

• AMC Montessori Spring Hands-On Newsletter Part IV

• AMC Montessori Spring Hands-On Newsletter Part V

• AMC Montessori Spring Hands-On Newsletter Part VI

• AMC Montessori Spring Hands-On Newsletter Part VII

• AMC Montessori Spring Hands-On Newsletter Part VIII

Happy Springtime!

Heidi
http://www.amonco.org

Montessori Lesson Pick of the Week January 12, 2009

2009-01-13T08:57:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Let's get the year started with some free, fun lesson planning.

The following activities and lessons can be modified and integrated
into Montessori learning.
See

Montessori January and February Lessons
for details.

Science Links

Montessori Animals in the Winter Study Unit
NEW!! The Rain Maker - Rain Stick
Cynthia Lanius' Fractals Units
Grow Your Own Snowflakes!
Crystalization
Cotton Snow Flake - Art Activity
A Snow Crystal Primer
Snow Crystal Classifications
Snow Crystal Hot Spots
Directory of Additional Winter Science Resources
Lincoln, Washington and Valentine's Day Lesson Planning Links

(African American History)Black History Month

Abraham Lincoln Theme
Teacher Lesson George Washington
Abraham Lincoln Lesson Planning
Preschool Black Activity History Theme
Black History Lessons Bring Global Experience
Black History Theme
Preschool Black History Month Activities
Celebrating Black History Month
Education First: Black History Activities
Click here to connect to the social studies directory.
Valentine's Day Links

See below here for additional arts and crafts resources.

Creative Care
History of Valentine's Day
Christine O'Keeffe's Valentine Page
Free Valentine's Day Craft Projects
Gardening Projects

Flower Press Kit

Montessori Fall Hands-On Lessons
Montessori Winter Hands-On Lessons

Wishing you a happy, healthy 2008!

Heidi

Montessori Lesson Pick of the Week December 21, 2008

2008-12-24T06:48:00.000-08:00

Christmas Around the World - Part I

Christmas Around the World - Part II

The Rainmaker Project for Kids

Montessori Holiday and Winter Recipes and More

Montessori Lesson Pick of the Week December 7, 2008

2008-12-09T15:16:00.000-08:00

The holidays provide multiple opportunities to encourage your children to become interested in cooking. Fractions come alive as children measure out the ingredients needed to provide those yummy desserts, appetizers, salads and main dishes!! The following activities and lessons can be modified and integrated into Montessori learning.

Cooking With Math-Math Central
Cooking Traditions
Disabled Kids and Cooking: Celebrate Recipe Day and Teach More Than Math
Guide to Cooking With Kids
NNCC Cooking with Children: Kids in the Kitchen
Cooking - Practical Applications - Grades 4 - 6
Cooking Up Fractions Recipe
Lesson 4: Cooking with Fractions
Mesasurements in Cooking
Montessori Fall Hands-On Lessons
Montessori Winter Hands-On Lessons
Montessori Fall Newsletter
Healthy Nutritional Tips for the 21st Century Family
Home-grown "fast Food" for Busy Families
Thanksgiving Thoughts: Passing Along Some Positive Perspective with the Pumpkin Pie by Sara L. Ambarian

Thanksgiving Thoughts - Making New Family Traditions

2008-11-22T07:04:00.000-08:00

To me, author Sara Ambarian, is Sarah Snow, Rachel Ray and Martha Stewart - all rolled into one. I have known Sara for almost a decade now. Initially, I marveled at her multitasking abilities. She is a wonderful mom, a marvelous cook, seamstress, designer, wedding planner, webmaster, and writer. I'm sure that this is just a sampling of her talents and abilities. What's truly appealing; however, is the fact that she is very humble and is always willing to help other moms.

So, when she told me that she had written the article Thanksgiving Thoughts: Passing Along Some Positive Perspective with the Pumpkin Pie, I couldn't wait to read it. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned Thanksgiving planner, this article will shed some new light on this holiday. You will learn how to involve your children in new, innovative ways.

Have you postponed your Thanksgiving planning? Would you like to put some spark into your Thanksgiving celebration? Do you want to create a truly meaningful gathering, rather than some big show that is meaningless and stressful? Perhaps, you will gain some new insight to help you through the rough spots. Maybe, this is the year to create a Thanksgiving that is less stressful and more memorable.

Sarah's perspective helped me to see our Thanksgiving in a whole new light. I know that you will glean some positive reinforcement and helpful tips on how to make this holiday meaningful for you and your family as well.

BTW, Sara is not advertising anything here. I included a link to her book website where you can learn more about Sara. At one point in time she had a website, and my hope is that she will someday create a new one. It was full of wonderful information.

Visit http://www.amonco.org/sara_ambarian08.pdf to read the article Thanksgiving Thoughts: Passing Along Some Positive Perspective with the Pumpkin Pie.

Enjoy the read!!

Heidi
http://www.amonco.org/

Part II - Montessori Lesson Pick of the Week November 17, 2008

2008-11-20T07:49:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving Recipes and Unit Study Lesson Planning

Preparation for Multicultural Holiday Meals

Thanksgiving Unit Study Lesson Planinng

Part I - Montessori Lesson Pick of the Week November 17, 2008

2008-11-20T07:22:00.000-08:00

Brand New Lessons You Can Use Right Now!

In Part 1 you will discover the following:

Next, see http://www.amonco.org/winter2/montessori_winter2.pdf

This autumn and winter try a new apple recipe. Ginger-Coconut Baked Apples is sure to delight your family and friends. Dale, from North American Montessori Center, has also shared the Montessori Button-Buddy activity. Dale takes you step by step on how to present this lesson and provides an extension exercises as well.

See http://www.amonco.org/winter3/montessori_winter3.pdf for details.

Have fun!!

Heidi Spietz
American Montessori Consulting
http://www.amonco.org

Montessori Lesson Pick of the Week October 7, 2008

2008-10-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

Sharon Jeffus has created an outstanding interdisciplinary lesson plan involving
art, math and political science. Visit Integrated Political Science Lesson to access this free lesson.

This lesson is a perfect addition to the following:

2008 United States Presidential Election Unit Study

Montessori Classified Reading Cards and Other Aids to Learn About the Presidents

Presidents of the United States - Pictures to Color- Compare and Contrast
(Make a Book)
Presidents of the United States - Matching Picture Exercise
Coloring Election Symbols
Compare the Candidates - Classified Reading Activities

Language Lesson Planning for Elementary and Middle Students

Election Word Searches
Election Mazes
Election Word Search 3
Election Glossary
Ask a Candidate - Interview Skills
Election Theme Unit
The Presidential Campaign - Persuasive Speeches

Science and Social Science Lesson Planning for Elementary and Middle Students

Social Studies Lesson on Campaigns in the Classroom
Election Data of Countries Around the World
Multi-disciplinary lesson, students conduct the entire election
process from scientifically picking a cookie candidate to campaign, vote and tally the votes (Grades 1 and 2)
Resources for teaching about the Electoral College
Whistle Stops - Fun Geography Lesson

Math Lesson Planning for Elementary and Middle Students

Election Theory
Fair Division
Graph Theory
Counting Techniques
Discrete Probability
Matrix Models
Mathematics of Iteration/Recursion
Discrete Mathematics Project - Matrices Activity

Business Marketing Activities

Track the Campaign
How Do People Decide Who To Vote For?
Campaign Promises - Election Activity?

Additional Extension Exercises - Let's Write, Discuss and Talk About the Presidential Election and Civic Engagement

Integrated Political Science, Math and Art Lesson Plans
Character Education
Steps to the White House (Grades 3 - 5)
Election Unit Lesson Plans About Past Candidates
Past Elections and the Electoral College Lesson Plans
Promoting the Candidate Lesson Plan
Create Campaign Promotional Materials for a Real or Fictional Candidate - Lesson Plan
Assessing Public Opinion: Building Your Own Public Opinion Polls
The Election Process and Political Cartoons
Access, Analyze, Act: A Blueprint for 21st Century Civic Engagement

You can access this unit study by visiting
United States Presidential Unit Study

Montessori Lesson Pick of the Week September 21 , 2008

2008-09-25T14:14:00.000-07:00

Free Montessori Presidential Unit Study for Grades PreK - High School

See http://www.amonco.org/election2008lessons.html

Montessori Lesson Pick of the Week August 31, 2008

2008-09-04T07:08:00.000-07:00

Montessorian Kathy O’Reilly, from Cooking with Children Can Be Easy has shared her Apple Sauce Parfait recipe. Kathy tells us that she has used this recipe with toddlers (18 months) through adults (81 years) and that it tastes kind of like apple pie. Kathy provides the reader with a very complete set of practical life exercises. Sequence cards, shopping list, station setup of equipment, booklist, finger play and extension activities are also provided.

Want more?? Kathy has generously also included a Fresh Fruit Freeze recipe with practical life exercises. Both can be viewed and downloaded
by clicking here.

Montessori Lesson Pick of the Week July 28, 2008

2008-07-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

AMC Olympics Montessori Grammar Bingo and Extension Exercises

Visit Free AMC Olympics Montessori Game and Extension Exercises

Montessori Lesson Pick of the Week July 21, 2008

2008-07-22T15:51:00.000-07:00

On July 19th, I attended a very interesting program, sponsored by the Long Beach Public Library, which featured how to grow plants year round. Lonnie Brundage, 1st Vice President, of the Long Beach Community Garden http://lbcg.org, spoke at length about the history and function of the Long Beach Community Garden, the individual member’s role in starting and maintaining a successful garden plot, plus provided excellent gardening information that we all can use. I wish that all who are reading this article could spend an hour listening and learning from this gifted educator. Click here Gardening Year Round - Tips from an Expert to discover wonderful gardening tips.

Be sure to check out my other blog entries for additional free Montessori lesson plans.

Montessori Lesson Pick of the Week July 14, 2008

2008-07-22T15:47:00.000-07:00

For cross-curricular lesson plans visit Olympics Lesson Plans

Montessori Pick of the Week for July 7, 2008

2008-07-10T15:50:00.000-07:00

A Montessori Movie Worth Seeing - Maria Montessori: Una Vida Dedicada a los Ninos (Click Here.)

Montessori Monthly Drawings

2008-06-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

Have you entered the monthly Montessori drawing? If you have not yet entered this month, do so today. Each month you can enter to win valuable prizes for your school or home classroom. To see the offerings for this month visit http://www.amonco.org

These prizes are made possible by the generous donations of participating AMC Montessori resource members. Click on this link
http://www.amonco.org/directory.html for details.

Heidi Anne Spietz
American Montessori Consulting
Celebrating 20 Years of Serving School and Home Educators

Montessori Lesson Picks of the Week June 22, 2008

2008-06-26T18:31:00.000-07:00

4th of July Lesson Planning Links

Arts and Crafts Links

Patriotism- Fun Crafts for Children

Montessori Summer Hands-On Creative Lesson Planning Newsletter

4th of July Independence Day

4th of July Fun

AMC Montessori General Lesson Planning Resource Holiday Links

Free Fourth of July Clipart

Language Arts

4th of July Word Searches

Printables: 4th of July Word Search
Recipes

Fourth of July Recipes

Practical Kitchen: Holidays: 4th of July
Sara Ambarian's Independence Day Recipes

Party Ideas

Fourth of July Games, Music, Art, Party Ideas and More!

Montessori Summer Hands-On Creative Lesson Planning Newsletter

Safety

4th of July Safety

Social Studies Links

4th of July Fun

Why Do We Celebrate the 4th of July?
Special AMC Links

AMC Montessori Summer Hands On Lesson Planning Newsletter

Summertime Learning Fun Online

AMC Montessori Summer Hands On Lesson Planning Newsletter

Summertime Learning Fun Online
Visit American Montessori Consulting's July 4th Lesson Planning to access all of the information.!!

Montessori Lesson Picks of the Week June 15, 2008

2008-06-16T19:09:00.000-07:00

SUMMER KITE FLYING

Learn how to make and fly a kite in your neck of the woods.

Planning a trip to Southern California? All the fun is not necessary had at the amusement parks. Take a side trip to Seal Beach, a quaint beach town, that has much to offer. While there, you won’t want to miss the monthly Seal Beach Kite Club meetings. Click here to see what the city of Seal Beach has in store for you and your family. Then, venture to Hobby City for some additional free hands-on fun.

SUMMER SCIENCE

Plan a unit study about Stalactites and Stalagmites by visiting the Captivation/Teaching Tank lesson activity.

John, from Exploration Education, presents an excellent, fun-filled simple and effective activity about static electricity is for children six and up. Click here for details.

Montessori Picks of the Weeks June 8, 2008

2008-06-07T10:35:00.000-07:00

SOME LNKS FOR FATHER'S DAY AND 4TH OF JULY

MAKE SOME GIFTS AND GIFT BOXES

Jaye, from Creative Care, will show you how to make a double frame. See http://www.amonco.org/summer5/montessori_summer5.pdf

Janet, from Chinaberry, will guide you step by step on how to make some beautiful gift boxes. See http://www.amonco.org/summer/montessori_summer1.pdf

If you experience any difficulties, you can also access most of the above links at http://www.amonco.org/montessori_summer_handson.html

Talented Marty Layne offers some delightful summer poems set to music. See Sea Change for details.

EASY SUMMER RECIPES

Montessorian Kathy O’Reilly, author of Cooking with Children Can Be Easy, will show you how to prepare a food unit study for children featuring the yummy Watermelon Blueberry Banana Split recipe.

Dale Gausman, owner of the North American Montessori Center, shows how children can plan, prepare, and execute a Spring or Summer Tea. Click here for details.

DIanne Knesek, Montessori teacher and owner of Conceptual Learning, shares a mouth watering Summer Fruit, Cheese, and Meat Kabobs recipe. Visit this link for complete information

Mary, from the Montessori materials company Hello Wood, offers the delicious recipe, Onion Pie, perfect for your holiday celebrations. See http://www.amonco.org/summer3/montessori_summer3.pdf

Planning a unit study about pirates? Karen , from Fun Felt, shares her three pirate snack ideas - Treasure Chests, Pirate Ships and Cannoballs, all of which, can be easily integrated into any pirate unit study. Click here to access the recipes.

Don’t forget to make some delicious potato salad for your family picnics. Use Bill’s recipe for Father’s Day and Fourth of July celebratios. See the MindWare entry to access the recipe.

Montessorian Cathie Perolman employs the Montessori practical life technique with her recipe scrumptuous gingerbread muffins recipes. Access this recipe by by clicking here

Larry, from Farm Country General Store, shares an equally delicious cinammon roll recipe. What a perfect addition to a homemade Father’s Day breakfast or just a lazy Saturday morning con su famlia (with your family.) See http://www.amonco.org/summer7/montessori_summer7.pdf

Montessori Lesson Picks of the Week May 19, 2008

2008-05-17T07:27:00.000-07:00

Make Your Own Reading Books

For complete instructions on how to fuse phonics, reading and book making visit http://www.amonco.org and click on the How to Make a Book located in the navy blue column.

Click on the links below for additional Montessori related lesson planning.

The Sensitive Period for Language

WALKING THE LINE - Montessori Style

Montessori Lesson Picks of the Week May 12, 2008

2008-05-17T07:12:00.000-07:00

Visit the following links to obtain free games.

AMC Montessori Short Vowel Bingo Game

Use the AMC Montessori Short Vowel Bingo Game to augment interdisciplinary learning. Everything you need to present this game is included in the download. Just read the instructions, print out the game cards, control cards and circle game piece symbols. You'll discover how you can use this game as an extension exercise for lessons in spelling, reading and writing.

Review the phonics preparatory activities as described in Montessori at Home: A Complete Guide to Teaching Your Preschooler at Home Using the Montessori Method. Children should be able to both pronounce the sounds associated with each of the consonants (both initial consonant and final consonant) and read a limited amount of monosyllable words, i.e. cat, men, tip, pop and mug. They should have some recognition of the (CVC) consonant, vowel consonant pattern, i.e. cat, mat, etc. This game should also be used with the "Make Your Own Reading Books" set of lesson plans. See May 18, 2008 Montessori Pick of the Week. These fun activities that you and your child can do together, are available for online viewing, free of charge by visiting http://www.amonco.org

AMC Montessori Grammar Bingo Game

Use the AMC Montessori Grammar Bingo Game with Modern Montessori at Home and Modern Montessori at Home II to augment interdisciplinary learning. Everything you need to present this game is included in the download. Just read the instructions, print out the game cards, control cards and grammar symbols. You'll discover how you can use this game as an extension exercise for lessons about virtually any subject. Compose simple to complex sentences and invite your child to place the appropriate grammar symbol above the corresponding part of speech. Sentences can be about any subject(s) currently being presented. The possibilities are endless.

The Sample Spanish Grammar Game file contains information and sample game cards for those who wish to present the game in Spanish.

These games were brought to you by Heidi Spietz. To learn more about Heidi, click here.

Montessori Lesson Picks of the Week for May 4, 2008

2008-05-09T07:43:00.000-07:00

Visit the following sites for integrated lesson planning ideas:

Ampersand Press One Page - One Planet
Weather Watch: Who or What is El Nino?
By Definition: Biodiversity, what does it mean?
On the Wild Side: Endangered Species
(Please note: Endangered Species Stamps from Ampersand Press is one of the prizes offered for the
AMC Montessori May Drawing. See http://www.amonco.org for details!

The Teaching Tank Sample Lessons

Starting a History Club/ Co-op By Barbara Shukin

Literature-based Resources for Your Lesson Plans

For more lesson planning ideas please visit http://www.amonco.org

Montessori Lesson Picks of the Week April 27, 2008

2008-04-29T10:11:00.000-07:00

Please visit Montessori Spring Lesson Planning
to access:

Free Downloadable "Simple Reading Books"
HOME MADE ICE CREAM IN A BAG FOR TWO
Ice Cube Fun from Funfelt.com

Make Your Own Illustrated Favorite Foods and Recipes Notebook
New Middle School Word Puzzles

Draw a Simple Map and Discover the World
Science in a Pepper Shaker

Celebrate Spring with Some Fun, Educational Nature Activities

Using Images from the Web - As Part of a Note Booking Approach to History